Combining art with nature study, leaf rubbings can turn autumn leaf peeping into a fun lesson on the diversity of local tree species. Designed for small groups of children (five or fewer) ages 6 to 10, leaf rubbings often are done as an indoor activity at the end of a nature walk. I like the idea of taking it to the woods!

MATERIALS:

1 clipboard per child

Computer printer paper

Crayons, especially autumn colors, with paper covers removed

1 leaf from each of the trees visited

Preparation:

Plan your tree walk ahead of time, identifying the specific trees to visit. Choose examples of three or four species that you recognize by common name, such as maple, oak, birch and ash. When choosing the trees, look for evidence of wildlife use, such as woodpecker holes or birds’ nests, so that you can help the children discover these things on the walk.

You will want to tell a story about each tree, so do your homework. Learn as much as you can about the natural history of each species, including its human and wildlife value. An excellent Web site can be found at http://www.umaine.edu/umext/mainetreeclub/MTC.htm.

The activity:

At the first tree, identify it using the common name and relate what you have been able to discover about the tree. Then have each child choose a fresh leaf from the ground or carefully pick a leaf from the tree.

Sitting in a group, ask each child to place the chosen leaf in the center of the clipboard, lower side up – leaf veins are typically more prominent on the lower side. The paper can be held in place by the clip.

Have each child choose a crayon, perhaps a color similar to the actual leaf color, and rub the area of the paper covering the leaf with the side of the crayon. Demonstrate the technique. As they rub, the veins and margins of the leaves will appear like magic. Point out that the veins extend to all sections of the leaf, supplying essential water.

After the rubbings are done, have each child write the name of the tree on their drawing, then hold up their rubbing for everyone to see. Involve the group in a discussion of differences among the chosen leaves, particularly in size. Point out that not all leaves on the same tree are identical.

Repeat this process for the next tree, finishing with a discussion of how its leaves are different in size and shape from the leaves of the first tree. Ask the children to compare the leaf margins, using words such as smooth, lobed and toothed. They can write these terms in the paper’s margins with arrows pointing to the leaf margin.

Continue this process for each tree on the walk, helping the group discover differences in leaf structure between the types of trees. At the end of the walk, ask the children to put away their drawings. Then pick a leaf from your collection and ask them to name the tree it came from. Perhaps they all will recognize the leaf and be able to name the tree.

Leaf rubbings make great refrigerator art!