Leafy Literacy
Stories are so important in helping children make sense of the world around them!
Using books to answer children’s questions
Inevitably, every fall children will ask “Why do leaves change color?” A child expects an answer to this question, but it’s just not an easy answer especially since young kids do not typically have the background knowledge of plant processes.
Some adults take the magical approach - a fairy painted the leaves, some adults briefly mention that it’s just something that happens to trees in Autumn, and some adults try to explain the science behind the leaves (but often confuse their kids)- which adult are you?
Stories are a wonderful way to explain complicated ideas to children using simple and relatable language. We created our own mini book (only six pages long) for adults to read to their children to explain the science behind leaves changing color in an easy to understand way. The book is told through Oakie’s Diary. (Oakie is a charming Oak tree)
Story Telling
Using the book, Alfie’s Long Winter, by Greg McEvoy as inspiration, create a story about the last leaf on the tree. As you’re walking outside in late autumn you will likely find many trees with just one lone leaf left on the tree and this lone leaf creates the PERFECT story telling opportunity.
Tell your own story about why there is only one leaf left on the tree- maybe because it was scared (like Alfie from the book), or maybe it was guarding the forest, or maybe it was stuck and trying to get down. Allow the kids to add to the story and help you pick out the leaf’s name, or why the leaf is the only one on the tree, and how the leaf ultimately gets down from the tree.
Whatever story you create, we guarantee it will stick with your children and every time they see a tree with only one leaf they will call it Alfie or whatever name you give it in your story.
Sandy told this story to Kacie as a child and she still refers to these special leaves as ‘Alfies’.
Literacy Leaf Games:
Describe a Leaf Game
This fun literacy activity can be done during a hike or afterwards. Each participant (can be children and/or adults) selects a leaf and keeps it hidden. They take a few moments to carefully observe all aspects of the leaf in private. Once all participants are experts on the qualities of their leaf they put it in a bag. The bag is emptied into the middle of the circle (we like using our stick borders here). All players sit around the group of leaves and one at a time describe their leaf to the group. Example: my leaf is spiky on the edges, it is yellow and green, there are four brown spots on it, it has a short stem. Players try to figure out which leaf is being described and make guesses. This game helps develop critical listening skills, descriptive language, memory skills and observation.
Catch a Leaf and Share
While outdoors in a forest or near trees in your yard or nearby park, encourage children to try to catch leaves falling from the tree. (This is wonderful in helping build hand-eye coordination and balance) If a child catches a leaf have them describe the leaf, explain what is unique about the leaf, tell a story about the leaf, or share what they like about the leaf. By having children use their imagination on the spot and sharing aloud you are building important skills like speaking in front of others, confidence, and quick thinking and organizing one’s own thoughts.
