Nature Tray (Photo from Montessori for Everyone)

A nature tray or nature table is a wonderful addition to any classroom or home. If you haven’t begun the tradition of having a nature tray or table, autumn is a perfect time to start.

Nature Trays

If you want to have a nature tray, you could have a seasonal one. Or you could have a themed nature tray, like the one in the photo from Montessori for Everyone, which has a tree/forest theme. In the post with the nature tray, Montessori for Everyone has other great nature ideas such as creating biomes and animal-track imprints.

Fall Nature Tray (Photo from One Hook Wonder)

One Hook Wonder has a lovely example of a fall nature tray (photo). One Hook Wonder has other helpful posts on creating nature trays and nature tables to go with the seasons.

Fall Nature Table (Photo from Casey and The Wonder Years)

Nature Tables

If you have enough room, you might want to have a nature table rather than a nature tray. Montessori Mum has an interesting post and photos about the differences between Montessori nature tables and Waldorf nature tables. When it comes to nature tables, I think both Montessori and Waldorf have much to offer and either or a blend of the two is wonderful.

The photo from Casey and The Wonder Years is a lovely example of a Waldorf-inspired fall nature table. The complete table contains fabric, seasonal items from nature, books, and handmade toys. Be sure to follow the link to see the photos and descriptions of all the items on the nature table.

Andrea Coventry has a helpful article at Associated Content on creating Montessori nature tables.

Nature Shelf (Photo from Counting Coconuts)

Counting Coconuts has some beautiful examples of nature tables or shelves (photo from Our Nature Display post).

Here are some amazing Waldorf-inspired nature tables from About a Girl.

Here are some wonderful photos of Waldorf-inspired nature tables on Flickr.

Do you have a nature tray or nature table in your classroom or home?