Autumn Art Ideas for children: Leaf People by Shari R. Adams, Art Educator, CCPS & CCAC art member

It is the time of year to walk outside and observe the many beautiful changes. An easy art activity to do with young children is to observe and collect leaves, their colors, textures, shapes and transitions that occur during the fall season.

We love to collect various leaves to press or to make leaf rubbings. A wonderful book, by Lois Ehlert, entitled "Leaf Man" takes children on an imaginary journey from the point of view of a leaf, travelling on the wind. It is a great inspiration or follow up to Autumnal changes.

My children and students enjoy placing leaves under paper, rubbing a large crayon over the paper and then watching the "leaves come alive" on the page as the textures transfer. We then add a poem or write an imaginary story about the leaf people we see. Keep drawing!