Be like Jo, take a concertina sketchbook for a walk (even a very, very short one!) and use it to record all the shapes you find. Jo likes to look at the different shapes of leaves - and finds many, many different shapes on very short walks, by looking closely. These resources have been created with children aged 3+ in mind. They will lend themselves well to snippets of engagement, as well as more sustained periods of time - whatever suits you/your family. 
 
a Little Book of Leaf Shapes 
To help engage children in discovering this variety of shape Jo has created & illustrated 'a Little Book of Leaf Shapes'. It contains a range of different prompts - starting by using children's own bodies as a way to look at size. The prompts offer a structure which support looking for different features - but are open ended, so your own discoveries can be celebrated too! It also contains space for children to add their own drawings.
 
Concertina sketchbook & Recording activities 
 
Children might find drawing the things they see difficult. To sustain their interest you can use a range of other techniques to record the shapes you find. In this resource Jo shares ideas for 6 alternative techniques, all using common materials. You will need 2 or 3 sheets of paper to make a sketchbook. 
 
This resource contains:  
 
 
	
Step by step instructions to help you prepare your own concertina books 
	
Step by step instructions for a range of recording activities to try with children 
	
An illustrated 8 page booklet designed to offer a variety of prompts to engage children in looking at nature more closely 
 
Payment / Free download 
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic this resource is being provided free of charge for those who would otherwise not be able to pay. To download for free input this code at the checkout: LBLS 
 
For those whose income has not been affected, & who can afford to pay - your support is much appreciated. 
 
Please think before you print and only print the pages you need. You should be able to select which pages you'd like to print in your print settings.