Leaf Window

What you need

• a handful of dry fallen leaves
• two sheets of sticky-back plastic
• masking tape

How to do it

1. Peel the backing off one sheet of sticky-back plastic and tape it to a low window with the sticky side facing into the room.
2. Put the leaves in a pile on the floor below.
3. Show them how to pick a leaf and press it flat onto the sticky sheet.
4. Let them fill it up however they like, then press the second sheet over the top to seal the leaves in.
5. Look at the light coming through the leaves together.

Why it matters

The sticky sheet holds anything they press on, so every leaf stays where they put it.

What they're learning

Pressing flat

Smoothing a leaf down with a flat hand takes a gentle push.

Reaching and stretching

Standing up and reaching to the window works their balance.

Noticing colours

Light through the leaves makes the colours glow, which gives you lots to name.

What to look for

Watch where they put each leaf. Some fill one corner, some spread them out, and some put every leaf on top of the last.

A tip

Pick leaves that are dry and flat. Tape the sheet at a height they can reach standing so nobody needs to climb.

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