Leaf and Bark Rubbings

Materials

• an assortment of different leaves (encourage children to collect interesting leaves when they go outside)
• pieces of bark  (encourage children to try and find pieces of bark on the ground when they go outside)
• white printer paper
• unwrapped crayons

Directions

1. Have children place a piece of paper over a leaf or piece of bark and then rub the side of a crayon over the paper where it is covering the leaf or bark. Ask, How would you describe the surface of the leaf/bark? (they might say rough, smooth, bumpy, full of lines, etc.) What can you tell about the leaf/bark from your rubbings?
2. Hang or display the leaf and bark rubbings nearby. Encourage children to collect interesting leaves and bark for the center when they go outside.