If you are fortunate to live somewhere where the leaves change colors in the fall, be sure to try some of these activities. When you do activities around fall leaves, you are promoting your child's observation skills. This is a wonderful way for your child to see how things change and to observe the passage of time and seasons.

1. Leaf Rubbings

   Activity for an individual child
   Age group: 30–40 months
   Duration of activity: 10 minutes

   This is a great way for your child to explore the different shapes and textures of autumn leaves. Avoid leaves that are already dried out. This simple project seems to work like magic.

   What You'll Need

   • A variety of autumn leaves that your child has collected
   • Light-colored bond paper
   • Peeled crayons

   1. Have your child place one leaf or a group of leaves under the sheet of paper.

   2. Show your child how to use the side of a crayon to rub on the paper. The shape and texture of the leaf will be revealed.

2. Leaf Crown

   Activity for an individual child
   Age group: 18–40 months
   Duration of activity: 10 minutes

   Your child will enjoy making this crown. He can use it as a prop in his imaginative play.

   What You'll Need

   • Measuring tape
   • 2 sheets construction paper
   • Scissors
   • Stapler
   • A variety of autumn leaves
   • White craft glue

   1. Measure the circumference of your child's head. Cut 2-inch-wide strips from the construction paper and staple them together to make a band that will fit your child's head.

   2. Help your child glue the leaves to his crown.

3. Leaf Glitter

   Activity for an individual child or a group
   Age group: 18–40 months
   Duration of activity: 20 minutes

   Here is a new way to add pizzazz to your child's drawing and artwork. You may choose to add store-bought glitter to the mix.

   What You'll Need

   • Colorful autumn leaves, slightly dry
   • White craft glue
   • Construction paper

   1. Help the child crumble up the leaves into fine pieces.

   2. Let your child sprinkle leaf “glitter” to his glue design on the paper. He may also choose to add the leaf glitter to other pictures he has made.