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Daily At Home Project: Yarn Wrapped Leaf Exploration

by | Apr 15, 2020 | At-Home Enrichment | 0 comments

Please find below our daily SolBe Family update letter containing helpful resources and exciting projects to explore while we all do our part to stay home during this pandemic. Subscribe here to receive daily updates.

April 15, 2020

SolBe Families,

A lot of our families have been requesting resources to help chat with their kids about COVID-19.  So much about this pandemic is confusing and anxiety-inducing for our kids. Why can’t I go to school?  Why can’t I hug my friends? Why is Aunty M wearing a face mask? Even our babies and youngest friends can sense the angst and stress surrounding this situation.  Sesame Street has been offering short videos and resources to help facilitate discussion, shared understanding and promote awareness to children of all ages.  

Project of the Day for All Ages: Yarn Wrapped Leaves

“Crunching, crinkling autumn leaves

Spiraling, swirling in the breeze” – Julie Perkins Cantrell

 

       

Step One:

Our favorite projects always start with outdoor exploration. It is more important than ever to get outside for some fresh air and movement (of course, whilst respecting social distancing!). Encourage your kids to find leaves of different shapes/sizes/colors. Take note of their observations. Are some leaves larger than others? How do the shapes compare? What do you like about the leaves you have chosen?  

(If there are enough fallen…what a fun opportunity to jump in a leaf pile or throw lots of leaves up in the air!)

Step Two:

Press the leaves flat under a heavy book or anything you can find!   

Step Three:

Lay leaves on your cardboard and have your kiddie trace. It is nice to tape them down if possible! You can also make your own leaf outlines or have your kids work on drawing their own. If you have a baby or a child under two at home you can use the crunchy dried leaves as a sensory experiment! Put the leaves and some yarn in a bin for them. Let them crunch the leaves and explore the differences in texture between the materials. Keep a keen eye out for babes who are still putting everything in their mouths! 

Step Four:

Older kids can focus on developing their cutting skills. I would recommend getting them started by cutting a broad outline of the leaves and then letting them work on the more intricate (or not intricate) borders. You can also cut the leaves out for them. If you take this route I would encourage offering a chance to decorate the cut-outs with markers/crayons or anything you have on hand! Paint would work too—just be aware you would need to wait for the project to dry before the next step :).

               

Step Five:

Fun with yarn! String/shoelaces/whatever you have accessible! Encourage them to explore the string. Are there patterns to be made? Would you like to use multiple colors? Do the smaller leaves require less string? What observations can you make?

Most important direction, as always: HAVE FUN!  

More resources to follow in the coming days. Feedback and more ideas welcome, as always! 

Be well and stay healthy!

The SolBe Team


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From our experience, children rise to the intellectual life of those around them, so we are committed to growing as individuals and as a team. You can count on us to provide a warm and engaging learning experience for your little one.

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