Make Monday: Leaf Rubbings!

Remember doing leaf rubbings when you were a child. This classic craft project is so common. None the less, I almost forgot to do it with Judah this year.

One afternoon, Judah and I took a nature walk around the block looking for different shapes and colors of leaves. Judah enjoyed this science lesson as we talked about the fall leaves blowing to the ground. We also observed other things along the way as part of our unusual exploring on our walks. I let Judah collect which leaves he wanted.

Once we got home, we got out our card stock paper and crayons. Judah's old thick crayons that had the paper off were the perfect choice. We put the paper on top of the leaves and I showed him how to rub the crayon sideways over the leaf. Judah thought the magical appearance of the leaves were neat. He then enjoyed matching the shape of the color imitation to that of the real leaf.



We used different kids of tree leaves with different colors. However, there is no limitation to the endless possibilities to decorating your leaves. We tried different colors over the same leaf. You can also get the glitter out if you are brave or try rolling paint across the leaf.

The rubbings proved to be easy enough for my two year old. Plus the nature walk and science lesson regarding the leaves was invaluable exploration and discovery for little hands and eyes.

And while you are at it, put aside some of the prettier leaves laying them flat in a magazine for next week's project.

Make Monday: Nature Walk!

Last week, Judah and I took a Nature walk. By that I mean we went around the neighborhood looking and collecting natural objects with different textures, shapes, and colors.

Hand in hand with the sand pail, Judah and I picked up things off the ground that seemed interesting. We would talk about the item, naming it. We would examine the texture and color as well as the purpose of the item. Then we would put it into our pail to bring back home after our walk.

We found some interesting things too. We collected some different colored wild flowers along with some of mommy's flower petals from the garden. We picked up some twigs and bark from trees, feeling the texture. We discovered several shapes of leaves, seeds, and tree nuts. Of course, we found rocks, revealing the hardness. Perhaps the most cool thing we found was an EMPTY wasp hive that had been knocked vacant from the side of our house. And lastly but not least, we found an empty, blue, robin egg shell by a nest, a bird feather, and snake skin all of which mommy did not want to pick up for fear of germs.

Once at home, we took some construction paper and glued the items onto the paper. Judah helped squeeze the glue onto the paper and then stuck on his little treasures. Hanging in our dining room once dried, Judah now refers to the items he found on his walk.

Judah really liked exploring and learning about his world. He talks about his picture that he made, even calling it his father's day gift. It has turned into a nice educational, conversation starter whenever we sit at the table.