From the curious platypus paddling in rivers to the spiky echidna foraging for ants, children will slow down to observe, imagine, and respond creatively to the wonders of these extraordinary animals and the astonishing designs found in nature. Filled with scribbled notes, sketches, real photographs, and vintage illustrations, this visually engaging nature study sparks wonder and nurtures a meaningful connection to both the natural world and the arts.

Packed with engaging lessons, art appreciation, skill-building art projects, nature-inspired crafts, and storytelling activities, this immersive study blends creativity with hands-on learning. Clear instructions guide children as they experiment with the elements and principles of design, try new techniques, build practical skills, and express their ideas through art and stories—while still leaving plenty of room for imagination to wander, as children play and explore what they have learned. There’s no one right way to make art here—just invitations to experiment, design, and let creativity flow!

Perfect for nature-loving families, homeschooling families, unschooling families, classrooms, or as an enrichment program, this Australian Monotreme Creative Study nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a lasting love of the natural world.

For enhanced learning, this digital eBook is designed to accompany the Platypus Notes from Nature letter (also available) but can be used independently. 

This is a Digital eBook PDF download. No physical copy will be sent.

You will recieve:

Australian Monotremes Creative Nature Study – 37 page eBook PDF
Australian Monotremes Parent & Educator Guide – eBook PDF including templates

What’s Included

• 37 page digital eBook PDF
• INCLUDES AUSTRALIAN MONOTREME IDENTIFICATION CARDS (Also sold separately)
• Discover Australian Monotremes – Information and fascinating facts
• Platypus and Echidna anatomy
• Observation and nature journaling prompts
• Nature craft hands-on project
• Art appreciation study
• Art lesson – Element or principle of design – Special Shape!
• Skill-building art project
• Storytelling hands-on project
• Guidance on story structure and composing ideas for storytelling
• Fancy word vocabulary and word play prompts
• Inquiry prompts to promote self-directed learning
• Prompts for nature walks, drawing, imaginative play and storytelling
• Template printables
• Parent and Educator guide including practical tips, useful books and links and templates

Super skills!

• Art literacy and visual design skills
• Fine motor skills through playful making
• Observation & inquiry skills
• Scientific thinking and basic research skills
• Creative thinking and problem-solving
• Imagination, reflection & self-expression
• Problem-solving and planning
• Language skills through discussion, writing skills and storytelling

Why you will love it!

• Flexible activities suitable for a variety of ages and learning styles
• Cultivates curiosity, inspires creativity, and reignites the imagination
• Connects children to Australian wildlife in a fun, memorable way
• Builds a strong connection to nature, environmental awareness and good stewardship.
• Encourages calm focus and emotional well-being through nature-based learning
• Builds confidence in creative choices and self-expression
• Replaces the screen with child-led learning and hands-on activities
• Blends the creative arts, science and literacy into one magical experience
• Cherish family time, learn together and bond as a family.
• Celebrates creativity with open-ended opportunities – Create your own unique way!

PLEASE NOTE
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• This item is a DIGITAL ITEM.
• You are purchasing a digital file only.
• No physical item will be shipped.
• No printed materials are included.
• Frames, props and items in images are not included.
• Artwork depicted in images are not to scale and are for display purposes only.

You will receive a PDF download after checkout.

PRINTING
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Printing in full colour is required for best results. Print from home, copy centre or print shop. Alternatively, to save on printing costs and paper use, view our nature study guides on a laptop or tablet and only print the pages and templates you need. 

COLOUR VARIATIONS
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Please be aware that there are slight variances in printers, monitors, paper stock used and the final printed product may vary slightly from the digital file.

TERMS OF USE
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
©2025 Wonder and Giggles. All rights reserved. | All items purchased from Wonder and Giggles are the intellectual property of Wonder and Giggles and cannot be redistributed, resold or used for commercial purposes. These items are for PERSONAL USE ONLY and cannot be duplicated, sold or shared in any way. While we have researched to the best of our ability to ensure the information we have provided is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee there are no mistakes or errors. Wonder and Giggles will not be liable or responsible for an error or any omission in the content. Wonder and Giggles are not responsible for any loss or damage experienced in connection with your use of our digital products and content.

My authentic designs are made with lots of time, hard work and love—thank you for respecting these terms.