Having fun with nature is a natural way to educate children.
And this fun dried orange fox ornament is hands-on way to blend crafts, science, nature and art. Kids love working with real, natural materials,
Too, drying orange slices and turning them into ornaments is a lovely way to slow down and enjoy the season. Also, you can make this fun activity to be part of a fox, winter, animal or fall unit study.
Besides, foxes are often seen in snowy forests and winter landscapes.
Look at my post How to Create a Homeschool Zoology Unit Without a Curriculum and Cute Fox Craft (notebooking pages).
Making a fox ornament is a great way to talk about how animals live in winter and how they adapt to the cold.
NATURE BOOKS FOR KIDS
First, look at these nature books for kids.
6 Nature Study Books and Resources
Add one of these resources or books to your study about nature. They all give you a starting point or use one or two of them as a nature spine.
See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.
The Handbook of Nature Study is a classic Charlotte Mason text. A big book full of information on pretty much every area of nature study from tools to birds, weather, and rocks.
This beautifully packaged facsimile of Edith Holden’s original diary is filled with a naturalist’s masterful paintings and delightful observations chronicling the English countryside throughout 1906. As one of the few true records of the time in print, the handwritten thoughts and paintings contained in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady transport readers to a more refined, romantic, and simpler time.
Filled with both recognisable, and tropical flora, Botanicum is the ultimate companion guide to the variety of plants, and how they have evolved and grow.
Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.
The Thinking Tree presents: A Creative Book of Observation, Drawing, Coloring, Writing & Discovery Through Nature, ideal for all ages (even adults!)
Creativity and discovery at its best, this journal is a bestseller among The Thinking Tree publications! Your nature-loving student will treasure this journal designed to ignite their wonder of the outdoors. With more than 180 lessons and beautiful illustrations, the Nature Study Journal invites the student to read, write, draw, color, explore and appreciate the outdoors while covering a variety of subjects such as science, poetry, observation instructions, and more.
Also, look at more fun with nature activities.
MORE FUN WITH NATURE EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Nature’s Rhythms: Get Your Free Phenology Wheel Nature Tracker
- Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage
- How To Make A Nature Sun Catcher Wand
- Fun Nature Study Ideas and a Free Nature Tracker
- Crafting with Nature: DIY Flying Squirrel Craft You’ll Love
- The Wonders of Nature: Free Color by Number Sloth Rainforest Habitat Page
- Fascinating Insect Incredible Slime: A Kids’ Guide To Nature’s Goo
- Fun Ice For Kids Inexpensive & Easy Nature Sensory Activity
- Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft
- Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
- Frozen Nature Ice Sun Catcher for Preschool Play and Fun
- 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
- 15 Hands-On Nature Math Ideas to Make Learning Come to Life
- 8 Facts About Moths and a Fun Nature Elephant Hawk Moth Craft
- How to Put Together a Middle School Nature Study With Book List
- Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study
Finally, look at how to make a dried orange fox ornament.
DRIED ORANGE FOX ORNAMENT
Grab these easy supplies which you probably already have in your home.
Supplies
- Oranges
- Sharp knife (adult use)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or drying rack
- White acrylic paint
- Small paintbrush
- Whole cloves
- Craft glue or hot glue (adult use)
- String, yarn, or twine
HOW TO DRY ORANGE SLICES
First, look at how to dry orange slices.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F.
- Slice oranges into thin, even rounds (about ¼ inch thick).
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes, until fully dried.
- Let the slices cool completely before crafting.
Optional air-dry method: Lay slices on a drying rack and allow them to dry for several days, turning occasionally.
FOX ORNAMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Choose one dried orange slice for the fox face.
Paint the lower half white to create the fox’s muzzle.
Press two cloves into the slice for eyes and one clove for the nose.
Cut another dried orange slice into small triangles to make ears.
Glue the ears to the back top of the fox face and let dry completely.
Use a skewer or toothpick to make a small hole near the top of the slice.
Thread string or yarn through the hole and tie a knot to create a hanger.
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