Autumn Leaf Crowns
Can you make a crown using the colours and shapes you find in autumn?”
Go on a short autumn leaf hunt first. Look closely at the different colours, sizes, shapes and textures of the leaves.
Children create an autumn leaf crown using a strip of recycled cardboard and natural fallen leaves. Children can choose, arrange and attach their leaves to make their own crown. If a hole punch is not available, use small pieces of double-sided sticky tape instead.
ď‚· Be curious, noticing the changes in nature over time and through process.
ď‚· Engage in scientific and mathematical thinking.
ď‚· Practice fine motor skills through chopping, stirring and pouring.
ď‚· Develop an awareness
Children will have the opportunity too…
1. Practice and develop fine-motor skills through handling leaves, cardboard, tape and a hole punch.
2. Creativity, choice-making and expressing ideas through designing a crown.
3. Observation and vocabulary linked to autumn, including colour, texture, size and shape.
4. Early mathematical thinking by sorting, comparing and noticing patterns.
5. Caring for our environment by using fallen leaves and recycled cardboard.
Introduce the experience by sharing a few leaves and wondering together: “What do you notice?” “Which leaf would make a good crown decoration?” Measure a cardboard strip loosely around each child’s head and prepare it to fit safely. Children choose and arrange leaves before attaching them..
Collect only what you need.
Explore and collect a small selection of fallen leaves. Leaving living plants and habitats undisturbed. Encourage children to take only what they need
Get Creative
Children can then add their own personal touches and colour with pencils and crayons if they wish.
Design your crown.
Arrange leaves on the cardboard strip. Give the children freedom to be creative. Remembering its about the process and experience rather than the leaves all looking neat and orderly.
Finishing touches.
Join the ends of the cardboard to make a crown. This can be tricky for small hands so be on hand to support, if required.
Attach the crown together.
Attach leaves using small pieces of double-sided sticky tape, or make holes and thread string/ribbon through where appropriate.
Share with Friends
Invite children to talk about their choices and compare the crowns.
For children needing more support: pre-cut cardboard strips, offer a small selection of leaves, use larger pieces of tape and provide adult help with joining the crown. For children developing independence: encourage them to choose, sequence and attach leaves themselves. For children ready for a challenge: create a repeating colour/shape pattern, sort leaves before choosing them, count decorations, or describe the seasonal changes they have noticed.
Practitioner Guidance
Check leaves and outdoor materials for sharp edges, thorns and animal waste.
Keep crowns loose and comfortable
Try leaf printing, leaf rubbings, sorting leaves by colour/size, or making an autumn nature collage. Talk about how trees change through the seasons.