- brushes or sponges
- newspaper
- paint
- paper
- paper towels or clean paint cloth scraps
- plastic container lids
- various fresh leaves (include leaves from plants that animals eat)
- leaf
- vein
MA Standards:
Language/L.PK.MA.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, listening to books read aloud, activities, and play.
MA Draft STE Standards:
Life Sciences/From Molecules to Organisms: Inheritance and Variation of Traits/LS1/3.A: Describe/draw and compare the body parts of animals (including themselves) and plants they are investigating [System] and explain functions of some of the observable body parts. [Structure and Function]
Head Start Outcomes:
Approaches to Learning/Persistence and Attentiveness: Maintains interest in a project or activity until completed.Literacy Knowledge/Early Writing: Uses scribbles, shapes, pictures, and letters to represent objects, stories, experiences, or ideas.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Science and Technology/Life Sciences 10: Observe and identify the characteristics and needs of living things: humans, animals, and plants.
Leaf Printing
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
Skill Focus: Creative Expression, Fine Motor Skills, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: Before beginning the activity pour a small amount of paint on the paint lids. Allow one set for each pair of children. Lay down newspapers before you begin the activity.
Tell children they are going to make leaf paintings. Display the leaves and describe what plant the leaves are from.
Model for children how to paint and press leaves.
- Place a sheet of paper on the newspaper. Place a folded paper towel or cloth on the paper. Place a leaf on the paper towel.
- Paint the underside of the leaf. Make sure the entire leaf is covered.
- Gently flip the leaf (paint side down) onto the paper.
- Carefully press on the leaf to be sure the whole area of the leaf touches the paper.
- Peel the leaf off the paper. You should have an image of the leaf on your paper. Discuss the veins, ledges, etc., on the paper and compare them to the leaf.
- Repeat with the same leaf or with different leaves. Compare characteristics as children continue to press different leaves.
Allow time for paintings to dry before hanging or sending home.