Materials
Zipper-closure plastic bags (gallon size), one per child
Liquid laundry starch
Powdered tempera paint
Measuring cup and spoons
Construction paper in a variety of colors
Instructions
1. Ahead of time, cut the construction paper into rectangles to fit around eachcan, making sure to leave an overlap for later gluing.2. Cut out felt circles to fit into the bottom of each can and glue them in.3. Cover the work surface with newspaper. Pour paint into shallow containersand put brushes into each one.4. Give each child a leaf and a construction paper rectangle.5. Show the children how to paint the underside of the leaf gently. Then,demonstrate how to press the paper onto the painted leaf, using the fingertipsto smooth the paint onto the paper.6. Carefully lift the paper off the leaf and press it down again in a different spot,without repainting. This second print will reveal more of the leaf's veins.7. Encourage the children to make several more prints on the paper, alwaysmaking two leaf prints from one application of paint. Replace the leaf when itbegins to shred.8. Let the printed paper dry.9. Help the children cover their leaf printings with clear adhesive and glue themto their cans. This makes a great pencil holder to give as a gift.More to doMore Art: Make extra leaf prints and cut them out to make bulletin board borders.Math: Prepare six leaves of graduated sizes for the children to put in order by size.Outdoors: Take the children for a walk outside and look for leaves ofvarying shapes.
