Here is a fun fine motor activity to try this fall! With just a few simple supplies, children can work on hand-eye coordination, pencil grip and other important fine motor skills. Read on to learn some tips, tricks and all the details for this activity!
Over a week ago we had fun with the fall leaf sensory writing tray. I kept it in the activity rotation for awhile and then started thinking about other ways to use those beautiful cut up leaves we had in the tray.
We’re starting to see leaves fall to the ground, a not-so-subtle reminder that winter is on it’s way. So for the new activity, I thought it would be fun to reverse time and brush the leaves back on the tree.
And guess what?! After about a week of this activity, I guarantee my boys will be ready for the leaf sensory writing tray again so these leaves will definitely get their use!
Supplies:
- Cut up leaves
- Box lid
- Markers
- Paintbrushes
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Here’s What We Did:
First, find a cardboard box lid and draw a simple tree outline on the inside part of the lid. This will help contain the leaves.
Then you will need to some cut leaves to the outside edges of the lid, exposing the tree. If you don’t have leaves from the leaf sensory writing tray then you’ll want to make sure you do this step first. Your kids will LOVE helping you with this!
Even though we already had a bunch cut, my boys wanted to add some more leaves so we added some fresh burning bush leaves to add a bright pop of red to our fading leaf pile.
I suggest not adding too many leaves because it can be difficult to sweep them in the tree.
I suggest having a variety of paintbrushes to try. Leo tried the thicker paintbrush first. The paintbrush was easy for him to hold and he experimented holding it in different ways. The thinner paintbrush was a bit more difficult to use and brushed less leaves to the tree with each stroke.
He kept saying, “Momma, I love painting trees this way!” So I guess you could say this is also a no-mess “painting” activity!
He had fun sweeping all the leaves to one side of the tree and then back to the other side. I asked him if he could spread them out evenly and was so proud when he finished his masterpiece!
Pin this activity to save it for later!
I hope you give this simple fall activity a try! I promise, your little nature lovers will love it as much as my boys.
∼Tara
Looking to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills?! Check out:
Giant Cut and Reveal- Scissors Practice for Fall
Leaf Sensory Writing Tray
And here are TWO ways to use Those Cut Leaves:
Check out Low-Prep Keepsake #8
Fall Leaf Sensory Writing Tray