Leather and animal hides are made by chemically treating animal skin to preserve it. Leather makes a fantastic loose part if scraps can be obtained. They are often sold cheaply by the bag for craft purposes.
Families and staff may have strong opinions about the ethics of using leather in early childhood learning experiences. If your children show an interest in leather, you may choose to ask families about their beliefs.
While leather is not an animal-friendly material, sustainable leather is a byproduct of farming industries. Animals are not raised to produce leather. In some farming communities, leatherwork is a highly respected skill.
EYLF learning outcomes
The Early Years Learning Framework connects with leather as a natural material (4.4) that teaches social responsibility and respect for the environment, (2.4) and provokes curiosity, imagination, creativity (4.1) and experimentation (4.2).
Learning experiences
Create art from leather scraps
The Italian sculptor, Angelo Canevari, created Mirabile Composto from leather and stone. Can you create a collage using leather scraps cut in irregular shapes?
Discover culture
Children can research how animal skins have been used by indigenous cultures around the world. This waterproof, warm and readily available material has been used for clothing, housing, bags, blankets, mats, drums and shields.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies writes about possum skin cloaks:
"Once an everyday item for Aboriginal people in south-eastern Australia, possum skin cloaks were worn for warmth, used as baby carriers, coverings at night, drums in ceremony and for burial.
"Worn from a young age, cloaks started out small with a few skins sewn together to wrap a baby. Over time, more skins were added so that as a person grew, their cloaks grew with them."
Children can research by using the internet, their local library, and speaking with community members about their cultural knowledge of animal hides.
Use leather in dramatic play
Whether you have small scraps of leather or a large animal hide, add these to your dramatic play area and observe how they influence your children's play. Large hides can be used for clothing and blankets. Small scraps could become pretend food or doll's clothes.
Examine leather products
A wide range of useful products are made from leather. Invite families and staff members to bring them in to show children. If you know an artisan who works with leather, invite them to speak with your children, demonstrate their skills, and show off their work.
Discussions
- What is leather and where does it come from?
- How do animals use their hides and skin for protection and survival?
- What are some common uses for leather and animal hides?
- Why is leather a good material for making things? (E.g. strong and durable.)
- Do you think it is fair to make things out of leather? If so, are there other materials people can use instead?