Curriculum
Who: Mrs. O'Connor's 1st grade class.
Where: LP Brown Elementary School
When: November 17, 2005, 20 minute “station” with ½ class at a time.
Why: To introduce children to leaf shapes, textures, and colors; to describe the autumn season through literature and through tactile experience with leaves; to encourage imaginative creativity with found objects/ collage.
What: Leaf, autumn story, and art activity, based around "Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert (Harcourt, 2005).
Preparation: I prepared for this lesson by collecting fallen leaves of different sizes, colors and shapes, then pressing them flat between books. I sorted them by shape and color and chose three leaf types to share
with my students (ginkgo, maple, tulip). On a presentation board I pinned examples of each leaf and the written word for each: ginkgo, maple, tulip. I also displayed a leaf collage I created as an inspiration and example. I spread the leaves on a table and had glue, scissors and poster board as supplies.
I began the lesson by reading "Leaf Man", asking the students what they saw in the leaf collage illustrations on each page. Next I lead them to the leaf table, introduced 3 leaf types, handed out paper, and let them loose!
Curriculum Reflections:
I was surprised at how engaged the children were as I read this new book with them. They immediately raised hands and shared their observations and questions and pointed out details. “I see….” And “I spy…” were used a lot.
I felt very comfortable carrying out my lesson with this class; I’ve created relationships with most of the children. It is so rewarding to have them recognize me and say hello to me each time I visit.
After reading the book, the children were eager to touch the leaves on the table. I asked them to just look as I introduced the three leaf types. Most recognized was the maple leaf. The ginkgo and tulip leaves were very popular for use in their collages.
Memorable quotes:
"I see him! I see him!" (Referring to the “leaf man” in book illustrations)
"Can I have the book to copy the butterflies?"
"I'm making a leaf monster!"
"I'm making a landscape."
"Am I good at making leaf person?"
"I'm making a fish."
"I'm putting leaves everywhere!"
To improve the lesson:
1. Need more time! 35-40 minutes at least.
2. Use Elmer's glue instead of glue sticks
3. Bring black pens for names and leaf-creation faces
