What Am I?

Children recall something from their Nature School session like a plant, animal, or natural object that caught their attention, and turn it into a simple “What am I?” quiz. This helps them revisit, deepen and enjoy their nature memories. It helps them slow down, recall details, and make their nature time feel special. Riddles encourage vocabulary, observation and listening.
Recommended Period for this Activity: All year round

1. Recall your nature walk 

Gather the children in a circle as a conclusion to your outdoor session. Ask them: 

What did you notice today? 

What surprised you? 

What made you stop and look? 

Children choose one thing they remember but don’t tell you what it is (e.g., a leaf, an ant, a seed, a feather, a stone, a bird call, a flower). 

 

2. Create your “What am I?” 

Children work in pairs to invent a short riddle about their chosen thing. Guide them to describe 2–3 features, without saying the name:

What colour am I?

Where did you see me?

How do I move? (if it moves)

What shape or texture am I? 

Model an example: “I am bumpy. I am grey. I sit under the old tree. What am I?” 

 

3. Share and guess 

Pairs take turns reading or saying their riddle to the group, while the rest of the class listens carefully and guesses the answer. You may play it as a simple points game or keep it relaxed and open. 

 

Tips 

  • Keep clues simple: use describing words you explored outdoors (e.g., soft, spiky, tiny, round, fluttering). 
  • Encourage children to close their eyes and remember the moment if they forget. 
  • Remind them clues should help others guess! 
  • Record a few riddles as audio clips to revisit later. 

Resources & Equipment Needed

  • Outdoor nature space; 
  • Any natural objects children collected (if appropriate); 
  • Mobile phone or tablet for recording riddles (optional). 

You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF

Downloadable Material

Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children discussing

Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration

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