Leaf Painting for 3-Year-Olds

We will make pretty pictures using leaves and paint. This is a fun, simple craft for little hands. An adult should help the whole time.

What you need

• Leaves (different sizes and shapes) — an adult checks they are safe
• Washable, non-toxic paint (a few colors)
• Paper or cardstock
• Paint tray, paper plates, or small bowls for paint
• Brush or sponge (optional) and an old spoon or rolling pin for rubbing
• Smock or old shirt for the child
• Newspaper or mat to protect the table, and wet wipes or a bowl of soapy water for cleanup
• Adult scissors and tape (if needed)

Safety first

• Use only non-toxic, washable paint.
• An adult watches and helps the child at all times.
• Do not put leaves or paint in the mouth.
• Check leaves so they are not from poisonous plants and there are no sharp sticks or bugs.

Step-by-step

1. Go on a leaf hunt. Walk outside and collect a few leaves. Talk about colors and shapes. An adult checks the leaves.
2. Make the work area ready. Put down newspaper and help your child put on a smock.
3. Put paint on plates. Squeeze small blobs of paint on plates so the child can reach them easily.
4. Paint the leaf. Help the child press the leaf on the paint using a brush or gently press the leaf into the paint with their finger (show them first).
5. Print the leaf on paper. Place the painted side of the leaf on the paper, press it down flat, rub gently with the back of a spoon or your fingers, then lift the leaf to see the print.
6. Repeat and explore. Try different colors, press different parts of the leaf, and make a pattern or a colorful collage.
7. Let it dry. Put the pictures somewhere safe to dry. Praise the child for their work.

Fun variations

• Use a sponge to dab paint onto a leaf for a softer print.
• Make a tree picture: use brown paint for a trunk and leaf prints as the leaves.
• Turn prints into animals by drawing eyes and legs after the paint dries.
• Make a card for someone special using a leaf print on folded paper.

Cleaning up

Use wet wipes or wash hands in soapy water. Clean plates and brushes right away. Fold up the newspaper and put paint away where children cannot reach it.

Talk and learn while you paint

• Ask: What color is this leaf?
• Ask: Is this leaf big or small?
• Say: I like how you pressed the leaf. Great job!

Keep the activity short and playful. The goal is to have fun, explore color and texture, and praise the child’s creativity.