Leaf Lesson Plans

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Fall Lesson Plans

Leaf Silhouettes

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

Leaf Silhouettes

​Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

Mobile Infants

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with toddlers or preschoolers.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• develop their sense of touch by experiencing new textures.
• develop their sense of smell by experiencing new scents.
• increase sensory motor skills.

CDA Competency Standard:   

II.7.1a

• Activities and materials encourage children to express themselves through the visual arts
  • a) Art materials and activities are available for children daily
    

Leaf Silhouettes

Materials: 

• large leaves
• edible paint (cornstarch, water, and food coloring)
• paper
• tape

Procedure: 

• If possible, it is best to take the children outside to explore and talk about leaves with them before beginning the art activity.
  
• Prepare for the lesson by taping the leaves to the paper.
  
• Create the edible paint by combining the cornstarch and food coloring with a few drops of water.
  
• Introduce the paint and paper to the children and give them plenty of time to create.
  
• When they are finished, allow the paint to dry and carefully remove the leaf from the paper.
  
• A print of where the leaf was will be left behind.
  
• Hang the leave impressions around the classroom as décor.

**This lesson can be adapted to practice fine-motor skills for the children that are ready to hold and control a paintbrush.

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children’s reaction to the paint.  Make anecdotal notes and take pictures of the activity to share with families.

Online Early Childhood Education

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Books for Babies

Leaf Jumpers Hardcover
July 1, 2004
by Carole Gerber  (Author)

Graceful, poetic text celebrates the beauty of autumn leaves, while the simple text at the end explains why leaves change color. Readers learn how to identify all sorts of leaves from red maple to sycamore by their color, shape, and other characteristics. A great choice for science units and autumn displays.

My Autumn Book Hardcover
August 4, 2015
by Wong Herbert Yee (Author, Illustrator)

A young girl rushes outside when the air is crisp and the sky turns gray to observe all of the changes that autumn brings.