Leaves

After children have spent a good deal of time exploring the shapes of leaves, we introduce them to the parts of a leaf. Here are a few activities for your child to try:

Leaf Activities

Spoken Language - Parts of a Leaf  ages 3 and up

Directions: Share the ”Introduction to the Parts of a Leaf” story with your child. (Older children may read the story independently). In the classroom, we always introduce the parts of a leaf using a real specimen. The story shared includes hydrangea leaves from Ms. Myesha’s backyard. With older children, we label the parts using cursive slips, and you will see them in the story as well. After the story, go outside and see if you can find a variety of leaves and identify the parts.

Coloring Activity 1 ages 3 to 3 ½

Directions: Use crayons to color the leaf on the leaf coloring sheet. Use your imagination!

Coloring Activity 2 ages 3 to 4 ½

Directions: Use crayons to color the leaf templates on the Parts of a Leaf coloring sheet. This time begin by coloring the entire leaf. Then, try to only color the individual parts you observed during the story. Use the control chart to see how you did!

Writing Activity ages 4 ½ and up

Directions: Use colored pencils to fill in the individual parts you observed during the story on the Parts of a Leaf Writing sheets. Label the parts using beautiful cursive writing. Use the control chart to check your work.

Reading Activity ages 5 and up

Directions: Independently read the definitions for the leaf and its parts. Color the leaf template so that it matches the definition. Use the control chart to check your work. Then, cut out the definitions to make your own booklet.

Labeling a Leaf Activity ages 5 and up

Directions: Go outside and find the leaf you feel is the most beautiful. Write small slips to label the individual parts. Make a leaf collage using the leaf and the slips.

Parts of a Leaf- 3 Part Cards ages 5 and up

Directions: Print and cut the three part cards. Each leaf will have a classified card, a printed slip and a control card (depicting the classified card and its associated slip). Mix up the classified cards and slips. Use your knowledge of the parts of a leaf to match the slips to the leaves. Check your work with the control card.

Parts of a Leaf- Definition Stages ages 5 ½ and up

Directions: Independently read the definitions for the Parts of a Leaf. If desired, match the written description to the control card found in the 3 part card set. Next, cut out the red Parts of a Leaf definition labels. Read the definition card that is missing the term. Choose the red slip that completes the definition for each part of the leaf.

Leaf Scavenger Hunt ages 3 and up

Directions: Go outside, and see how many different types of leaves you have in your backyard. With permission, collect one of each type for your collection. Can you identify all of the leaf parts?

• 3-4 years: When inside, admire the leaves. Ask yourself the following questions: Which leaf is the largest? Which leaf is the smallest? Which leaf has a smooth margin? Which leaf has a toothed margin?

• 5-6 years: When inside, admire the leaves and identify each of the parts. Use the Leaf Scavenger Hunt sheet to classify the leaves as simple or compound. Also, sort the leaves according to their margin type.

Leaf Practical Life ages 3 to 3 ½

Directions: Offer your child an opportunity to help care for a plant. Do the plants outside need to be watered? Are there leaves that are particularly dusty that need to be cleaned? Are there plants that need to be repotted? Get your children involved in caring for the plants at your home.