Leaf Rubbings

Such a great autumnal activity for any age group, because it can be extended and used in so many ways.  I do this with my preschooler just for fun and to create fall decorations, but at school, we can write leaf haikus, categorize leaves, as part of a nature study, for descriptive writing, leaf graphs- the possibilities are endless.

Materials:

leaves
paper (copy paper or scrap paper works well)
crayons (with paper peeled)

The first step is collecting leaves that are fairly freshly fallen and not too dry and brittle.  
Collect them in varying shapes and sizes (though smaller leaves are easier for smaller children). 

Place the leaves under the piece of paper and with the side of the crayon, rub over the top of the paper.  The outline of the leaf and all of the spines will appear.

Read alouds to support:

Bio Poems

This is a great "get-to-know you" activity with a group of students.  I have used it at all levels and adapted it to the students.  There are a variety of templates available for bio poems, available on the web and in teaching resources.  I have provided a couple here.  I usually create a model with the students, especially to model it for elementary school students.  Kids can also illustrate them and I always have them share (or at least the parts they are comfortable sharing).  Fun to put up for open house or parent conferences also!  You can create your own based on a template also.

First name

Three traits to describe yourself 

Son or daughter or relative of...

Who feels...

Who fears...

Who needs...

Who gives...

Who would like to see...

Last Name 

or

First name

Three adjectives describing yourself

Who feels

Who wears

Who wonders about

Who loves

Who fears

Who wants

Who will achieve

Last name