Warm Leaves/Cool Day

This is a nice beginner lesson for fall, because it is not too messy, but it does get the kids painting, making art, and THINKING!  I've done this lesson with second graders a couple different times, but I think it could be okay with beginning-of-the-year third graders, as well.  We start off with talking about fall and the changing colors of the leaves.  This book is super simple, but a nice science tie-in, with good pictures for the kids.





Following the quick book talk, kids start drawing the leaves, as if they've fallen on the ground.  I also have them add 5-6 lines with a ruler, purposely going all the way to the edge of the paper, and through the leaves.  This takes some explanation, and I've also found that it is better if the students OMIT THE VEINS of the leaves, so they are not later confused by the ruler lines vs. the vein lines.  After drawing, trace with brown crayon.








Following that, it is time to paint.  Watercolors or tempera cakes work fine for this lesson.  The leaves should be painted warm, and the background cool, with a different color each time you hit a line.  I've found that it is MUCH better and easier for the kids if I have them start out on JUST LEAVES AND WARM COLORS first, THEN do background cool colors last. When switching back and forth, it becomes too confusing and they tend to mix it up.



For kids who finish early, I have pre-cut paper to mat and create a "fall" border.



The results are always lovely :)