Use real leaves your child has collected collected on nature walks. Clean and dry for a couple of hours. Sandwich them between 2 pieces of clear contact paper to make this easy placemat.
Age group: 18months+
What you need:
- Clear Contact Paper
- a variety dry leaves
- strips of coloured card/paper (orange/brown/red/gold) to be used to create a frame or border for the placemat -OPTIONAL
- a strip of paper to write child’s name
What to do:
Get out in the cold weather and collect a wide variety of leaves – as many different colours and shapes as you can find. Flatten them under a pile of books overnight.
- Cut 2 pieces of clear contact paper in the size you like your placemat to be. I find A3 size works well. Remove the backing from one piece.
- Stick the leaves randomly onto the sticky side of the contact paper. You will have to help younger children to space their leaves appropriately.
- Don’t overlap the leaves if possible. Write your child’s name onto a strip of paper (older children can write their own names) in autumn colour felt tips onto paper which you stick amongst the leaves.
- Once you are satisfied with the design, peel the backing off the second piece of contact paper and cover the leaves with it to seal them in between the contact paper sheets.
- Trim around the edges to neaten them; use pinking shears or other fancy edged scissors if you want!
I am a preschool and primary school teacher and mum to 3 children. I have been involved in education since 1997 and have trained in a variety of educational specialist areas. It is with this expertise that I write articles to help parents and educators provide quality learning experiences for the children in their care.
