Description and Learning Objectives
Fall has finally arrived, which means many changes are happening to the outside world. The weather is getting cooler. It is starting to rain more often and the leaves are starting to change colour. The next time you are outside for a walk or playing in the park, take the time to point out these changes and encourage children to explore their outside environment. This activity allows children to take what they have explored and create something that will be based on their memory.
Materials
- Variety of leaves in different shapes and colours
- Leaf-shaped colour diffusing paper or paper cut outs
- Watercolour or paint (colours of fall leaves)
- Dropper, paint brush or sponges
Observations and Findings
Change is constant and children’s minds are always curious. Having discussions about the things they have observed allows them to have a better understanding and connection to how the world works. We found that this activity encourages children to build on their Language skills and be able to label the different things they see. Practicing their receptive and expressive Language skills encourages them to build on their vocabulary.
This activity also supports children’s developmental sensory skills. Discussing the season’s changes is just the first step. The next would be to allow children to explore these changes first hand such as feeling the rain on their skin and using their hands to feel the texture of leaves. Using their different senses as tools allows them to compare and contrast what they are experiencing to what they already know.
The art component to this activity allows children to foster their cognitive skills by recalling and recognizing things that they have previously seen and encourage them to use these memories when creating something with their own hands. This experience also allows them to take something from their outside environment and bring it inside into their home or classroom, whether it be something physical or mental.
