The changing of the season from summer into autumn is right around the corner.   How about several fall activity ideas using autumn leaves?  Leaves turning colors such as red, orange and yellow seem magical to children.

Take this opportunity to share with kids the science of why leaves change colors. In the fall the weather turns cooler and there is less light from the sun, the chlorophyll (green pigment) begins to fade so the true colors of the leaves appear.  Also a special chemical that connects the leaf to the twig breaks down and the leaf stops processing food.  Thus, the leaves become dead and fall!

Have kids gather a variety of different sizes and colors of leaves to use in fall activities.  Press the leaves by spreading the leaves in a single layer between newspaper and stacking heavy books on top of the paper.  Let the leaves press for several weeks before using in one of the fall activity ideas listed below.

One activity is to make a tree and leaf identification book.  The book Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing the Trees by Jim Arnosky is a wonderful resource for identifying trees by their leaves.  Using plain paper kids can glue one leaf to each page and write down what type of tree the leaf comes from.  Tie the book with orange, red or yellow yarn.

Another fall activity is to make fall pictures by placing several colors of leaves between two pieces of wax paper, and seal with a hot iron.  Adult supervision is recommended when kids use the hot iron.  Make a frame with black construction paper and glue the fall picture in the frame.  Make two holes on the top of the frame with a punch and hang with a fall ribbon.  To avoid having to use a hot iron, use a spray adhesive to attach the leaves on the wax paper.  Hang the fall pictures in a window.

Instead of fall pictures, use smaller leaves and make bookmarks.  Iron or glue a variety of small leaves in different colors between the wax paper.  Cut the wax paper leaves into 2" x 6" rectangles.  Punch a hole in the center of a small end and tie a fall ribbon or raffia through the hole.

This fall activity idea can be used at a family gathering such as Thanksgiving.  Make autumn placecards with medium or large leaves.  Spray leaves with a clear varnish and let them dry on a disposable tray.  Paint the tips of the leaves gold and dry.   Write the guests' names on each leaf with a permanent black marker.  Tie the placecard with curling ribbon around a napkin or the utensils.

As a mother, grandmother, and child development professional, Nancy Johnson, shares over 20 years experience working with children and planning activities on her website, Creative-Child-Activity-Notebook.com. Check it out for more school age [http://www.creative-child-activity-notebook.com/]child activity ideas including party, outdoor, fall, nature, and [http://www.creative-child-activity-notebook.com/child-holiday-activity.html]child holiday activity ideas.

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