The leaves are just starting to change and fall around us, so this is the perfect time to start doing science activities with them! I actually learned a lot while putting together this science packet. I'm not a botanist, but I did read and research when I was putting these activities together. Each activity explains the science behind it, which I think is important! In this packet, there are activities on the following science concepts: Life processes Living things Botany … [Read more...]
Activities with Laminated Leaves
I am obsessed with the colorful leaves this time of year! My kids and I love to pick up leaves when we are on walks, but they quickly get old and we can't use them for anything. I decided to try using my laminator to preserve the leaves. It worked great! Here are some really fun activities to do with laminated leaves! I used my favorite laminator to preserve the leaves. Simply put them in the laminating sheets and slide them through the laminator. Then I cut around each … [Read more...]
“Leaves” Book Activities
One of my favorite books for preschoolers during fall is called Leaves. It's a book about a bear's first year of hibernation. I love this book because it talks about the beautiful leaves of fall and also goes through the seasonal changes in trees. It's a book with simple words and beautiful illustrations that make it easy for kids to understand. After reading this book to my kids, we made a sensory bin to go along with it. First, we gathered beautiful fall leaves from outside. Is this a … [Read more...]
Leaf Lantern
Here's a fun activity for fall this year...making a leaf lantern! Here's what you need: *leaves (8-10) *clear glass jar *Mod Podge *paintbrush *tea light (you can use a battery-operated one if you have little ones!) If you don't have any Mod Podge on hand, you can make a really easy version yourself. All you do is mix one part water to one part glue in a container. Then put a lid on the container and shake til it's all mixed up. Then you're ready to go! MUCH cheaper and it works great! So … [Read more...]
A Leafy Game
Are you looking for a way to wear out your child?? What if I told you I have a game that will wear them out AND help them learn their colors? If this interests you, then this game is for you! Here's what you'll need: *leaves (3 or more different colors or kinds) *tubs *timer (optional) I chose these 3 colors/shapes. I put one color in each tub and had a tub full of the 3 types of leaves. This game involves running and it's almost like a relay race. I put this bucket of leaves on one side … [Read more...]
A HUGE leaf & Sun Catchers
We've been going on lots of walks lately in these beautiful fall days. We have found many leaf piles to jump in and colorful leaves to collect. As we were walking, Troy shouted out "STOP! I found something!" Indeed he did...he found the biggest leaf I have EVER seen. And the strange thing is that I didn't find any other leaves like that around. Good find, Troy! Anyway, I'll move on to the project we did the other day. We made leaf sun catchers! Here's what you'll … [Read more...]
Crunched-Up Leaves Project
I am excited to share this EASY craft to do with your toddler or preschooler. Here's what you'll need: *10-12 leaves (dried out) *paper with tree template *glue First, you take your leaves and put them in a zip-lock bag. Then, have your toddler take out his tool box and find the hammer. Then have him smash those leaves up. You can also do this with your hands, but smashing for my 2 year old is way more fun. You'll need a picture of a bare tree. I googled "tree" image and found this one and … [Read more...]
Cork Painting
We tried a fun, new art activity today. Painting with corks! Following the theme of leaves, we painted "leaves" on trees today. This activity reminded me of sponge painting. Oh remember the days when it was popular to have a sponge painted room?! I loved my purple, sponge-painted room. Also, this is a great activity if you need to let out some aggression! Stamping the corks releases some good energy. Here's what you'll need: *paint *paper *corks (mine were from Michaels- … [Read more...]
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Activity
One of my favorite fall books for kiddos is Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. This is a great book explaining the life cycle of a tree. The pictures are collage and creative. At the end of the story, it has the idea to make a treat for the birds. So we tried it out today! You'll need these supplies: *bread *bird seed *egg white *ribbon First, you take your bread and cut it into a shape. I used a circle, but you could cut it yourself or use a cookie cutter. Also, poke a hole for the … [Read more...]
Leaf Sensory Bin
This is our leaf sensory bin. The kids love it! Here's what it includes: *acorns from around the neighborhood *pine cones from our tree *popcorn seeds *fake leaves (you could have real ones) Troy really loved this one. We talked about the shapes and how everything feels. He said it felt sharp and smooth. I also shared with him how an acorn seed can turn into a tree! I think he was amazed and slightly confused. We also had fun putting the seeds in a funnel into a vase. Workin' on … [Read more...]