MY LITTLE LEAF BOOK – Shape, Contrast, Pattern

Students gather a variety of leaves and use them to make stencil prints in a small 8-page book, then add patterns to their prints and write about the leaves, finding a way to connect them with at least one number.

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Supplies:

Crayola Fine Line Markers
Crayola Oil Pastels, 16 Count
Small Pieces of Sponge, about 3 cm x 4 cm (1" x 1 ½")
Copy Paper 27.9 cm x 43.1 cm (11" x 17") - 1 per student

Steps:

Gather lots of different leaves.
Place the leaves between parchment paper and put some books on top of them.
Allow them to dry for one day.
Laminate the leaves.
Cut them out.
Leave a small border around the edge so the laminate won't separate.

Follow the instructions to make an 8-page book. (Downloads – 8PageBooklet.pdf)
Roll a small piece of masking tape into a loop with the sticky side facing out.
Stick it to the back of a leaf.

Place the leaf on top of the first page of your book.
Use an oil pastel to colour ON the leaf – NOT on the paper.
Hold the leaf with one hand.
Use a small sponge to drag the colour off the leaf and onto the paper.
You can add more and different colours if you want to.
Be sure to use lots of colour.

Gently remove the leaf from the paper.
You have made a stencil print.

Use fine line markers to add pattern to your leaf.
Write about your leaf.
Add something that includes at least one number.

Use a different leaf for each page.
Fill the book with leaves, patterns and numbers.
Make up a 'Questions' card to go with your book, e.g.,
- What is the sum of all the numbers in the book?
- What is the rule for the pattern on the oak leaf page?
- How many different leaves are in the book?
Write the answers on the back of the card.
Share your book with a partner and take turns answering the questions.