Materials
Newspaper
Bleach
Small container with plastic lid with hole for brush or swab
Smocks and rubber gloves
Cotton swabs
Assortment of leaves
Black construction paper, 9" x 12" (23 cm x 30 cm)Construction paper in fall colors, 12" x 18" (30 cm x 45 cm)
Instructions
1. Ahead of time, cover a work area with newspaper.
2. Pour bleach into the container. Secure the lid.
3. Provide the children with smocks and rubber gloves.
4. Have the children dip a cotton swab in the bleach through the hole in the lid. Invite the childrento feel the surface of their leaves and the raised pattern of the leaf's veins and stem on theunderside. Have them paint this side of their leaves, using the swab.
5. Once the underside is painted, ask the children to turn the leaf over and press it to the blackpaper, then gently rub the top of the leaf while holding it in place.
6. Tell the children to lift the leaf off the paper and observe the impression it has left.
7. Let the paintings dry, then mat them on the larger paper.More to doMath: Cut leaves from construction paper in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Laminate, ifdesired. Encourage the children to sort and count the leaves.Outdoors: On a fall day, provide small plastic rakes and wheelbarrows. Bring the children outdoorsto rake and gather leaves.Snack: Make a leafy green salad from a variety of lettuce leaves, including spinach, bib, romaine,and iceberg, and serve with dressing.
