Leaf Rubbing Art (home learning)

Curriculum codes:

• EYLF: Outcome 2, Outcome 4, Outcome 5
• Foundation: ACMMG006, ACSSU003, ACAVAM106
• Year 1: ACSSU017, ACAVAM106

Curriculum connections: Science, Maths, Arts, Physical Education, Critical and Creative Thinking

• Bag for carrying your leaves 
• Crayons, pastels (or coloured pencils)
• Leaves of various shapes and sizes 
• White paper

Younger kids will need support to complete this activity. Some kids will be able to work on this activity with minimal support.

Ideal for: Early Learning and Lower Primary Ages 3 – 7

Themes: 

• investigate 
• fresh air 
• chill time 
• be creative 

Time required: 20 minutes

Learning@Home resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs.

Our Learning@Home series includes two types of resources. The first are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages, the second are self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.

There are so many learning opportunities within a seemingly simple activity such as this. Firstly, the activity of choosing the leaves includes close scientific observation – which ones have the most interesting shapes, which ones are flatter, which ones have interesting veins? Comparing the sizes and areas of the leaves are early mathematical concepts of comparison and shape. The composition of the leaves and the colours that are used in the leaf rubbing are artistic choices. And finally, the strength and dexterity of holding the leaves still and rubbing them build fine and gross motor skills. Not to mention the feelings of joy and wonder as the imprint magically appears – or perhaps the frustration felt and resilience built when children find it hard at first but are encouraged to persevere!