Light Table Leaf Exploration

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One of the nicest places to observe colors and shapes in fall leaves is on the light table. Early learners get the chance to investigate natural materials indoors. The leaves get illuminated and their stripes, spots, and beautiful colors become even more noticeable. And best of all, there are a lot of learning possibilities in this light table leaf exploration activity.

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Supplies To Collect

Fall leaf matching on the light table is easy with silhouettes drawn on overhead transparencies.

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Gather the following supplies for this low-prep, economical nature play invitation:

leaves in different colors, shapes, textures, and sizes
overhead transparencies
black permanent marker
“leaf” word strip
transparent alphabet letters
magnifying glasses
artificial flowers in vases

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Light Table Leaf Exploration

To collect the leaves, take your little charges on a nature walk. Give everyone a bag and ask each participant to find leaves in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Back at home or in class, set some of the leaves on a light table for the children to view. Invite everyone to explore, sort, and arrange the foliage.

Extra leaves can be placed in an indoor DIY mud kitchen or added to a sensory tub.

Include magnifying glasses for early learners to see leaf veins and midribs clearly.

Fall leaves look extra pretty on the light table. And this leafy center has many learning opportunities.

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Place a word strip with the word “leaf” on the table, and include transparent alphabet letters. Encourage children to say and spell the word.

Fall flower sprigs in vases add ambiance to the center.

Exploring leaves is super fun on the light table. Magnifying glasses and the word "leaf" add learning possibilities to the center.

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Overhead Transparency Leaf Silhouettes

Trace some of the leaves onto overhead transparencies using a black permanent marker. Invite your early learners to match the light-enhanced leaves to their silhouettes.