Leaf Painting!

Hi! We will make pretty pictures with leaves. An adult helps make it safe and fun.

What we need

• Leaves (picked from outside) — a few different shapes and sizes
• Tempera or washable paints (small amounts)
• Paper (white or colored)
• A shallow tray or paper plate for each color
• Paintbrush or a cotton ball (for the adult or child)
• Smock or old shirt and a mat or newspaper on the table
• Wet wipes and a bowl of water for quick hand cleaning

Easy steps (for the grown-up to guide)

1. Prepare: Put the smock on your child and cover the table. Put small blobs of paint on plates. Place the leaves and paper where your child can reach.
2. Paint the leaf: Show your child how to dip a brush or dab a cotton ball into paint, then gently paint one side of a leaf. Let them try. Say simple words: "Paint the leaf blue!"
3. Stamp the leaf: Press the painted side of the leaf onto the paper and hold for a second, then lift. Ta-da! A leaf print appears.
4. Repeat: Paint more leaves and stamp them in different places. Try different colors and leaf shapes.
5. Leaf rubbing (a second activity): Put a leaf under the paper. Show your child how to rub the side of a crayon over the paper to reveal the leaf pattern. Adults may help hold the leaf in place.
6. Finish: Let the pictures dry on a safe surface. Praise the child: "Great job! I love your picture."

Safety and tips for the adult

• Use washable, non-toxic paints made for kids.
• Always supervise a 3-year-old with small items and paint.
• Pick leaves that are clean and not moldy. Rinse and pat dry if needed.
• Keep paint amounts small so there is less mess. Use a smock and easy-to-clean surface.
• If the child wants to taste paint (common at this age), gently say no and offer a snack instead. Keep wet wipes handy.

Variations to try

• Make a leaf animal: stamp leaves and add eyes and legs with a crayon or paintbrush.
• Use sponges or cotton balls to dab paint on the leaf for a different texture.
• Make a card: fold paper in half and stamp leaves on the front to give to someone.
• Seasonal colors: use red, orange, yellow for autumn-themed prints.

Cleanup

• Wipe the childs hands with wet wipes, then wash with soap and water.
• Rinse brushes and plates right away so paint doesnt dry on them.
• Let the artwork dry and then display it on the fridge or in a special place.

Keep instructions short and cheerful. Let your 3-year-old explore the colors and shapes — the process is the fun part!