Lesson Plan

Finger Paint Leaf Prints Activity Plan

Observe the different shapes, sizes, and vein patterns of leaves by using finger paints and leaf prints.
By Early Childhood Today Editorial Staff

Grades: PreKK
One modification would be to use this for 1
st
graders, because it will continue to reinforce the shapes
and colors, and the patterns of leaves for future recall such as in science.






Objective

Children will observe the different shapes, sizes, and vein patterns of leaves as they make fingerpaint
leaf prints.
Include sorting by colors to further deepen the memory, and make the activity more interesting.
Materials
A computer with internet access.
Book entitled We are Going on a Leaf Hunt, By Steve Metzger
Post boards( at least five).

a wide assortment of leaves
finger paint
newspapers
white paper

Activity
Before taking the children on a walk to collect the leaves, read the book Were Going on a Leaf Hunt.
This will give the children some prior knowledge of leaves, by introducing them to leaves through this
story. Therefore when the encounter leaves they will have some prior knowledge of what they are. As
started in Wolfe, ( 2010), Projects and activities should be a means to enhance learning, ( Wolfe,
2010).

In Advance: Take a walk outside with children to collect leaves that have recently fallen. Upon returning
to your classroom, talk about how they look and feel. Invite children to compare the leaves and sort
them by size, shape, and color.

1. Ask each child to find the bumpy side of a leaf the side with the raised veins.
For a student(s), who have special needs and may not be able to handle the leaves, a computer
program will enable them to view the different sides of a leaf.

2. Show children how they can use their fingers to spread a thin layer of finger paint on the bumpy
side of their leaves. Talk about how this side of the leaf feels.
As you walk around the room demonstrate how to spread the paint on the leaves. This would be
a very good time to use a peer friend to help in this process. Since this is a sensory experience,
many children if not experienced with finger painting may shy away for this , but by watching
and having someone show them one on one they are getting a little special and this may
encourage them to try it. This individual assistance is a very important strategy, in that it gives
the student one on one assistance, ( personal) and it also builds relationships as well, ( Frostiq,
1980). These strategies are also great for those with special needs too.

3. Ask children to put their leaves, paint-side down, on white paper, place newspaper pages over them,
and press to make prints. Children can then remove the newspaper, peel off the leaves (with clean
fingers), and marvel at their colorful leaf prints. Compare the physical characteristics of children's leaf
prints.

3. Place the prints on a large piece of craft paper to make a fall class mural.
After this part of the lesson divide the children into groups. Once they are in groups have them
to make group posters with the remaining leaves. The posters can be done in different ways ; all
one color, all same size, same shape etc. By pacing the children in groups you are also build a
relationship with each other, and according to Erlauer, ( 2003), the human brain is a social
barn, ( Erlauer, 2003). These posters can be placed in different places around the school.

Remember: Finger painting is an exciting sensory experience. Before children make their prints, they
might enjoy an extended period of time to freely explore the slippery texture of finger paint.
















References
FingerPaint Leaf Prints Activity Plan.( 2010). Scholastic com. Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/finger-paint-leaf-prints
Erlauer, L. ( 2003).The Brain- compatible classroom: Using What We Know About Learning to Improve
Teaching. Alexandria, Va. Association For Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Retrieved from www.web.a.ebscohost.comproxy-library.ashford.edu
Frostiq, M. ( 1980). Meeting Individual Needs OF All Children in the Classroom Setting.
Journal Of Learning Disabilities 13(3). Retrieved from
www.weba.aebscohost.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu

Wolfe, P. ( 2010). Brain Matters: Translating Research into Classroom Practice ( 2
nd
) Alexandria, Va.