Leather

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.

The educational benefits of leather include sensory awareness.

EYLF learning outcomes

Leather aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it is a material (4.4).