Make Leaf Rubbing Animals

What You Need:

• Fall leaves, found outside, in different shapes and sizes
• Lightweight white paper (printer paper is fine)
• Crayons
• One sheet of cardboard about the same size as your paper (try reusing the front of a cereal or cracker box)
• Scissors
• Clear-drying, non-toxic glue
• Fall Leaves Paper worksheet (optional)

What You Do:

1. Ask your child to choose an animal, then help them choose leaves to form the animal's body. Trim leaves to size with scissors if necessary.
2. Have your child arrange the leaves on the cardboard in the shape of their animal.
3. Gently lift each leaf and glue it to the cardboard. Set it aside to dry.
4. Have your child pick a crayon from the box, then remove the paper wrapping. Place the white paper over the leaf animal and help them rub the crayon over the paper sideways (like a rolling pin).
5. Watch as your leaf animal appears! Once the leaf is fully transferred, have your child add finishing details to the animal such as eyes, ears, and mouth.