“Exploring Nature’s Wonders: Hands-On Learning with Leaves”
The Let’s Play Outside unit in the IEYC curriculum recently gave nursery children a wonderful opportunity to explore nature.Their adventure began with a nature walk where they joyfully collected a variety of fallen leaves, each unique in shape, color, and texture. Back in the classroom, these leaves became the focus of two creative, hands-on activities. First, the children engaged in leaf tracing, placing their leaves under paper and using crayons to reveal intricate leaf patterns. This activity allowed them to appreciate the details and beauty in each leaf while developing fine motor skills and focus. Next, they used the leaves to make impressions in clay, rolling out portions of clay and pressing leaves into the surface with a rolling pin. When the leaves were removed, beautiful imprints remained, allowing the children to experience the textures both visually and through touch. These activities nurtured their creativity and sensory awareness while fostering a connection with nature. Through this unit, the children experienced the joy of learning from their surroundings, sparking curiosity and respect for the natural world—one leaf at a time.
