Gather the materials needed for this project:

• Crayons
• Paper

• Pull together everything besides the leaves for this project.
• We'll be using pastels instead of crayons so that our creation really pops, but you could use crayons, paints, markers, or colored pencils instead!

• Head outside for a short nature walk!
• Collect fallen leaves on the ground that are all different shapes and sizes.
• Carefully carry them home, making sure to preserve them in their most natural state.

Ask your munchkin, why is it important to choose leaves that have already fallen to the ground? This time of year, plenty of leaves will start falling to the ground as the trees prepare for winter.

• Leaflets typically come folded up with information on both the front and back.
• Before you get artsy with your project, fold your paper into thirds; this way it will have a front, middle, and back.
• Now, talk with your little one about the direction they want their leaflet to take: It could be entirely artsy, with colorful leaf shading, or they can write in some notes and jot down some fun facts we'll share.

Changing Colors

Do you have any guesses why leaves change color and drop to the ground starting this time of year? It’s because of the changes in length of daylight we get each day and the changes in temperature. Chlorophyll breaks down and the leaves stop their food-making process. For some plants, glucose (sugar) gets trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. This process can cause leaves to change colors and look orange, red, and even purple. What color are most of the leaves in your neighborhood?

• Start with a title page on the front cover.
• Denote ‘Text Box’ spaces where you can add information.

Leaves are a super important part of a plant. Leaves hold the very serious responsibility of making food for the plant through a process called photosynthesis. Your little one may have heard of photosynthesis in school, do they have any ideas what it is?

Photosynthesis is the process where the plant uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into the sugars the plant needs for energy and survival.

• Now that you have your outline, press your leaves into different sections of your leaflets and begin shading.
• Then, add shading around the border of the leaf, giving it a rainbow shadow-y look.
• Once you’ve marked around the entire border, you can remove your leaves and place them back outside so that they can decompose naturally.
• Share your new leaflet and fun leafy facts with classmates and friends as your gear up for the fall season together!