Preschool Plans for Autumn Leaves
Integrated Curriculum Ideas for Preschool Learning about Leaves
Oct 24, 2008
A study of leaves opens up possibilities for learning in many content areas. Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Art all contribute to a unit on leaves. If there is access to a park or playground, the children can go on a leaf gathering walk. When this isn’t possible, children can be encouraged to gather leaves at home with their families and bring them in to the classroom, or teachers can provide the leaves.
Leaf Stories for Literature Extensions
Some appropriate non-fiction books about leaves are Autumn Leaves, by Ken Robbins, [Scholastic, 1999], and Colorful Leaves, by Maria Fleming, [Scholastic, 2006]. Fiction choices for this unit include The Fox and the Falling Leaves, by Julia Rawlinson, [Scholastic, 2006], Leaves, by David Ezra Stein, [Scholastic 2007], Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert, [Scholastic, 1991], and Leaf Man, also by Lois Ehlert, [Harcourt, 2006].
Children Examine Leaves and Learn Math and Science Concepts
Teachers arrange the leaves in a basket. Children pull the leaves from the basket and, in the process, discover the differences and similarities among them. Providing additional containers encourages children to separate the leaves by characteristics such as size, shape, and color. The containers can be labeled accordingly to add additional Language Arts practice. Groups of leaves can be counted and graphed.
Social Studies Skill – Obtaining Information
Informational books about leaves help children learn that information can be gathered through reading. If a computer is available in the classroom, teachers can assist children with internet research about leaves. A professional gardener or naturalist is a great classroom visitor who can bring even more interesting information to the classroom.
Fun, Easy Art Projects with Leaves
Leaf rubbings make a useful project for developing small muscle strength and coordination, and the rubbings result in pleasing pictures as well. Children place a thin sheet of paper over a leaf and rub the side of a crayon or piece of colored chalk over the paper. A detailed image of the leaf will appear. This project works best with larger leaves that have been pressed flat beforehand.
Leaf prints are made by rolling paint over flat leaves, then pressing the leaves onto a paper surface. A cautionary note for teachers is that young children often prefer to use a smearing motion rather than a printing action. They may even create a clear leaf print, then smear it into obscurity! This is a part of the exploration process, and teachers may need to restrain their desires to see the paintings turn out a certain way.
Leaf Collages
Colorful leaves, scraps of fabric and paper, and other materials create wonderful collages. When magazine pages with interesting photographs are available along with scissors, children are encouraged to practice cutting as they snip out images to add to their collages. The collages can also be made to resemble animals or people, following inspiration from the wonderful illustrations in Ehlert’s Leaf Man.
Leaves Provide Creative Topic for Several Content Areas
Several content areas can be covered in a leaf unit. Examining, counting, comparing and graphing are Science and Math skills used in this plan. Books about leaves provide a language and literacy aspect to the study. Obtaining information about leaves from various sources utilizes Social Studies concepts. Art projects add creativity and small muscle exercise to the mix. In all, a leaf unit is rich with learning possibilities for the preschool classroom.
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