Ten minutes · outdoor noticing / making. You need: One or two clean, fallen, non-spiky leaves and a sheet of paper. An adult checks the leaves; no unknown berries or plants need to be handled.
Play: Look at each leaf's outline, veins or feel. Place it on paper and draw around it, arrange a picture, or simply compare two leaves. The child can return them outside when finished.
Adult says: “What do you notice first?” “Are these the same in any way?” “What could we do with the shape?” Do not require a plant name.
Child chooses: Look, touch, trace, arrange or let an adult hold the leaf. They may prefer a paper leaf shape instead.
Notice: Which detail caught their attention? Did they compare, change an arrangement or make up a story about the shape?
Access and safety: Use a large leaf or cardboard cut-out for easier handling and tactile tracing. Describe colour and shape for low vision. Wash hands after handling outdoor material; do not taste or pick living plants. An indoor paper leaf works in bad weather. No screen is needed.
Reuse: © NeuroForgeIO Pty Ltd 2026 · CC BY 4.0 · Original; note changes if adapted.