Loose Leaves

Loose Leaves

Approximate Time Frame: 1-2 hours

Activity: PLAY

Area of Learning: Creative Expression

 By Anisha Nair

“What can you create from the leaves that you found on your nature waLk?”

Go on a nature walk around your yard or your community with your child. Have your child collect leaves that have fallen off of the trees. Try and find leaves of different sizes, shapes and colours.

Process

Have your child;

1. Gather leaves on your nature walk

2. Sort the leaves into different groups. How is your child sorting their leaves?

3. Explore moving leaves around to form different patterns, images and designs on their paper or canvas

4. Allow them time to just create and try new ways of arranging their leaves.

5. When they are done exploring, invite them to glue their design onto their base. (if they are not into gluing, thats ok, the best part is creating the designs!)

Materials

• bag to collect leaves

• leaves varying in shape, size and colour

• thicker piece of paper white or black or canvas

• scissors

• white glue

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child role

• Go on a nature walk with your adult

• Sort your leaves. What are the different ways you can sort them? Colour? Size? Texture?

• Place your leaves onto your base in a creative way. Try different creations; patterns, abstract, animals, people etc.

• Have fun exploring

• Glue your favourite design onto your base if you like.

Parent role

• Take your child on a nature walk

• Encourage your child to choose a variety of leaves

• Help your child organize their work space

• Allow them to sort independently. Ask them “is there any other ways you can sort the leaves?”

• Give your child freedom to make creations with their leaves.

• Ask them about their process. “What are you enjoying about this activity?” Is there anything you are finding challenging?”