The Playful Parent

Today’s Homemade Monday series is dedicated to the Charles County Library- Waldorf West Branch. Each library branch in Charles County provides amazing early literacy programs through out the week. I always include their programs on the community calendar because they are excellent.  At story time today we read stories, sang songs and created artwork all centered around autumn leaves theme. Some of the activities in this article were inspired or a part of the Pre-school program today.

AUTUMN LEAF ACTIVITIES: PLAYFUL MATH

This weekend fall officially started, so that means that the beauty of fall foliage is among us soon. This activity should cost little to no money and is super simple, yet lots of fun. This math project is great for sorting, color identification, counting and patterning. All you need are leaves of different colors. You can purchase pre-made felt leaves or go on an adventure to find leaves on a scavenger hunt. Since the leaves haven’t turned yet we go store bought leaves.

SUPPLIES

• Leaves of assorted colors
• Bowls in a variety of colors to match the leaves

PLAYFUL MATH ACTIVITIES

• Sorting: Have your child sort out the different colored leaves into colored bowls or plates. Have them identify the colors as they are sorted.
• Counting: Have them count how many leaves by color. (Ex: How many red leaves, how many yellow leaves, how many green leaves are there? If we add them together what is the total number of leaves?)
• Patterning: Set up a pattern with the leaves and see if you child can continue the pattern. Next challenge them to make their own pattern.

AUTUMN LEAF ACTIVITIES: PLAYFUL ART

SUPPLIES

• Brown Paper Bag
• Assorted colors of tissue or craft paper
• Scissors
• Glue or Glue stick
• Leaves of assorted colors (paper, felt or real)
• Paper or Felt Board

PLAYFUL ART ACTIVITIES- AUTUMN TREE

• Prepare the paper lunch bag by either tracing lines for you child to practice cutting skills or pre- cut half inch strips. Make sure your cuts start at the top opening and only cut about halfway down the bag, you don’t want to cut too far.
• Next open the bag and stand it up right. With one hand hold the base of tree aka bottom of the bag and with the other hand twist the middle section in order to create the tree trunk.
• This step is optional. My son liked his branches flat. You can also twist the bag strips to create fuller branches.
• The last part is probably the most fun. Use your colorful tissue paper to create leaves. you can ball up your tissue paper or glue it on flat. Let you tiny Picasso have fun making through fall tree.

PLAYFUL ART ACTIVITIES- LEAF PEOPLE

• Collect real leaves or prep felt or paper shaped leaves.
• You will need the following colors for body parts. Red body, orange arms, green feet, yellow head and acorn eyes.
• Glue or place leaves on paper or felt board to make a leaf person.

SUGGESTED BOOKS & SONGS

We loved this poem we sang at story time to the tune of The Muffin Man.

BOOKS

You can find all these titles at the Charles County Library’s. Check them out for free!!!

The Leaves on The Trees by Thom Wiley

Fall is Not Easy by Marty Kelley

We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger

Aw, Nuts! By Rob McClurkan

I See Fall By Charles Ghigna

Fall Leaves Fall! By Zoe Hall

***Thank you Charles County Library for providing fun activities and ideas. All content and photos are intellectual property of The Playful Parent.***