Tips for Using Nature & Me Activity Cards at Home

The Nature & Me activity cards are a set of 54 nature-based activity cards developed to help children identify ways to feel more calm, present and connected through nature-based activities. The cards can also help parents guide children as they discover what works best for their own unique bodies and brains.

Developed with neuro-affirming, nature-based occupational therapists, the Nature & Me activities are based on techniques or exercises that can help a child to feel more grounded, in control, or ready to process their thoughts and feelings more constructively.

Tips for Using Nature & Me Activity Cards at Home

1. Practise the activities during calm or quiet moments: The more children use the activities when they are calm, the more likely the skills will become tools they are able to use in times when they are not feeling so calm or connected.
2. When starting out with the cards, the information included on the introductory instruction cards can be used as prompts to help you begin conversations with child about their feelings and emotions.
3. Do not introduce the cards all at once: By introducing a small number of activities at a time for your child to choose, from you will be less likely to overwhelm them with too much choice.
4. Use the cards at a time when you are not rushing to be somewhere else.
5. Revisit the activities regularly: Regular use of the activities can help your child develop more familiarity with these important skills so they will then be able to put them to use whenever they find themselves overwhelmed by big emotions.
6. Model using the activities to navigate emotions yourself: Adults can also use the Nature & Me cards whenever they are managing their own emotions, demonstrating how movement, playfulness, nature connection and sensory strategies can support the return to a more balanced, present, or connected state.

“He has watched me do this on the weekends and I can see how much it influences him to feel confident to do the same… I actually think these would be great for adults too. Sometimes we need to reconnect with nature, explore and engage in playful movements again. I’ve very much enjoyed the cards with my son.”
– Parent of five-year-old

See the Nature & Me Cards in Action

The Nature & Me activity cards include activities across three different categories: Move, Slow Down and Just Right Challenges. Mum and kids physio, Nicole Pates, was kind enough to share with us some of the ways she is using the Nature & Me activity cards at home with her daughter, with examples using each of the card categories:

The Nature & Me activity cards help children explore and choose effective strategies for feeling calm, present, and connected. Developed with neuro-affirming principles, these cards empower children to navigate their emotions through movement, sensory exploration, and nature-based techniques, while fostering self-awareness and confidence.