DIY Cardboard TUFF TRAY Insert
TUFF Tray Insert Craft Activity
A nature heart craft using a PLAYtray, also known as a Tuff Tray is a fantastic Reggio-inspired activity that encourages children to explore and create with natural materials. The Reggio Emilia approach values hands-on experiences and using the environment as the "third teacher." By gathering leaves, flowers, and twigs to design a heart, children can freely express their creativity while learning about the beauty of the natural world.
Reggio-Inspired Tuff Tray Nature Crafts
Are you looking for a fun and educational activity that combines crafts and nature exploration? You can make your own tuff tray insert! Our DIY Nature Suncatcher using Tuff Trays is the perfect family project that encourages creativity and a love for the environment. This simple project is great for kids of all ages and can be done right in your backyard or during a walk in the park!
Tuff Tray Video
Watch the video to get inspired.
The Tuff Tray acts as the perfect blank canvas for this type of open-ended play. It allows kids to experiment with arranging materials, exploring patterns, and discovering textures in a contained space. This process helps them develop problem-solving skills and fosters a sense of independence, key principles in Reggio-inspired learning. Plus, it’s a calming and meaningful way for children to connect with nature.
Activity Materials & Guide
Materials Needed:
- Tuff Tray by Learning Through PLAYtrays
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Clear tape
- Natural items like leaves and flowers
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare Your Tuff Tray: Start by clearing your Tuff Tray or setting it up in a comfortable spot where kids can access it easily. Make sure it’s clean and dry before beginning your project.
Create Your Heart Shape: Take a piece of cardboard and cut out a heart shape. The size can vary, but make sure it fits within the boundaries of your Tuff Tray.
Set Up the Suncatcher Frame: Use clear tape to attach the cardboard heart to the back of the Tuff Tray, ensuring the heart is centered and secure. The tape will also act as a sticky base for attaching the natural items.
Go on a Nature Hunt: This is the fun part! Take your kids outside to gather leaves, flowers, small twigs, and any other natural materials they find interesting. Encourage them to look for a variety of colors and shapes to make their suncatcher vibrant and textured.
Assemble the Suncatcher: Once you have collected enough materials, return to your Tuff Tray. Have your children stick their findings onto the taped heart, covering as much of the cardboard as possible. They can create patterns or simply enjoy the process of sticking random assortments of nature’s treasures onto the heart.
Display Your Suncatcher: When your heart is full and the tape is covered, find a sunny spot to place your Tuff Tray. The light shining through the leaves and flowers will create beautiful, natural art. It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss with kids how light interacts with different materials and the importance of nature in our lives.
Creating a DIY Nature Suncatcher with Tuff Trays not only provides a hands-on learning experience but also helps children appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world. It’s a memorable activity that combines art, science, and environmental education.
We’d love to see your DIY insert creations! Share your Tuff Tray Suncatcher photos on social media and tag us.
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Why Is It Important to Play Outside?
- Outdoor play is good for kids’ health and happiness. Running, walking, or collecting leaves and flowers for the Tuff Tray activity helps them stay active. Fresh air and sunshine make kids feel more relaxed and focused.
- Playing outside also sparks curiosity. Kids can find different shapes, textures, and colors in nature. This makes them more creative and helps them learn about the world.
- When kids play outside, they also learn to care about the environment. Activities like the nature heart craft teach them to respect and enjoy nature. It’s a great way to build habits that help protect the planet.
- Combining outdoor play with a Tuff Tray activity brings the best of both worlds: active fun and hands-on learning. It’s easy to do and a great way to make playtime meaningful!
Tuff Tray Inserts: Ready to Play!
Don’t have time to create your own Tuff Tray inserts ? No problem! At Learning Through PLAYtrays®️, we’ve made playtime easier with our premium Tuff Tray mat inserts , also known as PLAYmats.
These durable, double-sided mats are designed to spark creativity and make sensory play setups quick and simple. Whether you're crafting a small-world scene or creating messy play masterpieces, our PLAYmats are the perfect addition to your Tuff Tray.
📌 Shop now in our U.S. Amazon Store or visit our product page HERE !
How Do Tuff Trays Support Sensory Play?
Keeps play organized: The raised edges of a Tuff Tray hold everything in one place, making it perfect for messy activities like nature crafts or sand play.
Engages the senses: Kids can explore textures, colors, and smells, helping them develop important sensory skills while having fun.
Easy to clean up: Sensory play can get messy, but a Tuff Tray makes cleanup simple, so kids can focus on playing and learning.
Gives kids their own learning space: Each child can use a Tuff Tray as their personal play area, encouraging independence and focused learning.
Perfect for group activities: Tuff Trays are large enough for group play, helping kids build teamwork and social skills.
Versatile for all kinds of play: Use a Tuff Tray for crafts, water play, small-world setups, or sensory bins—the possibilities are endless!
