Make a Changing Seasons Collage

What You Need:

• Cardboard (reuse the front of an old cereal or cracker box)
• Clear drying, non-toxic glue
• Construction paper
• Natural items such as twigs, grass, and fall leaves
• Acetate or clear plastic wrap
• Scissors
• Pencil

What You Do:

1. Ask your child to draw a rough pencil sketch of a summer landscape onto the cardboard. Include things that you would see in the summer such as flowers, budding plants, full trees, or a person dressed in shorts and a t-shirt.
2. Your child can now collage the summer landscape by gluing cut or torn paper and natural items onto the cardboard drawing. Cut and glue blue paper to make a summer sky or add blades of real grass to the ground.
3. Cut a piece of clear acetate to fit the cardboard. Acetate can be bought at most office and craft supply stores. If you cannot find it or are looking for a low-cost alternative, try using clear plastic wrap.
4. Glue the top of the acetate or plastic wrap to the top of the cardboard summer collage. Keep the remaining sides free to create a flap.
5. Help your child to create a fall landscape on the acetate over top of the existing summer collage. Cut and glue fall leaves, twigs, or construction paper onto the acetate for an autumn collage.
6. Set aside to dry.
7. Life the flap to compare the summer and fall scenes.