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
Leaf Spotting Activity
Usage Rights
This product is for domestic use only.
This product is not to be used for commercial gain or purposes.
Jo Blaker retains the copyright to all illustration, design & text contained within this document.