Leaf Art

LESSON 6

Children use pressed leaves to create art.

  • The story “Leaf Man,” by Lois Ehlert.

  • Pressed leaves

  • Paper

  • Glue

    Optional:

  • The story “Leaf Man,” by Lois Ehlert.

  • Any other story depicting leaf art, or inspiring leaf art.

  • Leaf art ideas here.

  • Scissors for cutting leaves into specific shapes.

Materials

  • Gather materials

Preparations

  • Guide children through the reading of "Leaf Man" and facilitate discussion about the leaf illustrations.

  • Provide guidance and support as children use their imaginations to create leaf art.

  • Assist children in the arrangement and gluing of leaves onto paper, as needed.

  • Foster a positive and collaborative learning environment.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children will read "Leaf Man" and carefully observe the leaf illustrations.

  • Children identify their favorite leaf picture from the story.

  • Children use their imagination to create unique leaf art.

  • Children arrange and glue leaves onto paper to craft their own artwork, practicing fine motor skills.

  • Children enjoy a shared creative experience with their caretaker.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Practice saying the poem with the actions below. 

  • Hold one hand, five fingers spread, wiggle five fingers while swaying.

    Thumb floats downward

    Cup other hand as nest for leaf

    Hold up hand, four fingers up.

    Tap forehead with four fingers.

    Other hand to lips, blow a kiss.

    Two fingers leave forehead, float away.

    Hold up hand, two fingers wiggle.

    Two fingers wiggle and sway

    Other hand surround lips and blows

    Last two fingers fall into lap.

Come, Little Leaves

“Come little leaves,” said the wind one day.

“Come over the meadow with me and play;

Put on your dresses of red and gold,

For summer is gone and the days grow cold.”

Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call,

Down they came fluttering, one and all;

Over the brown fields they danced and flew,

Singing the sweet little songs they knew.

-Betsy Jones

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this story by finding a cozy place to read the story “Leaf Man,” by Lois Ehlert. As you read, pause on each page to observe the leaf illustrations and identify what the leaves look like. After reading, ask your child if they had a favorite leaf picture in the story.

  2. Tell your child that just like the beautiful leaf pictures in the story, today they will be using their imaginations to create leaf art. Encourage them to browse through the story to get inspiration or create something entirely their own. Remind them that it might be helpful to arrange the leaves first, and then glue them onto the paper. If they would like to glue as they go, or need help gluing and arranging, that is okay too. I always encourage parents to create alongside their children because your active involvement and enthusiasm for the process is not only enriching for your child but also strengthens your bond through shared experiences.

    Fun fact: Allowing kids to create their own artwork is vital for their holistic development. It fosters creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving skills. Art enables children to explore their emotions and thoughts, often providing an outlet for processing complex feelings. It encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they manipulate various art materials. Creating their own artwork instills a sense of pride and accomplishment, boosting self-esteem. Art also promotes critical thinking, as children make choices about colors, shapes, and compositions. Most importantly, it celebrates individuality, reinforcing that there's no right or wrong way to create, empowering children to trust in their unique voices and ideas.

  3. After creating, find somewhere to display your beautiful leaf art!