Ten minutes · outdoor noticing / making.You need: One or two clean,
fallen, non-spiky leaves and a sheet of paper. An adult checks the leaves;
no unknown berries or plants need to be handled.
Play: Look at each leaf's outline, veins or feel. Place it on paper and
draw around it, arrange a picture, or simply compare two leaves. The child
can return them outside when finished.
Adult says: “What do you notice first?” “Are these the same in any way?”
“What could we do with the shape?” Do not require a plant name.
Child chooses: Look, touch, trace, arrange or let an adult hold the leaf.
They may prefer a paper leaf shape instead.
Notice: Which detail caught their attention? Did they compare, change
an arrangement or make up a story about the shape?
Access and safety: Use a large leaf or cardboard cut-out for easier
handling and tactile tracing. Describe colour and shape for low vision.
Wash hands after handling outdoor material; do not taste or pick living
plants. An indoor paper leaf works in bad weather. No screen is needed.