Leaves! Leaves! Leaves!: Nature Walk + Sort + Describe

Level 3 develops academic independence and higher-order thinking.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Materials

Collecting bags or baskets for each child

Magnifying glasses

Sugar paper in various fall colours (red, orange, yellow, brown)

Glue sticks

Picture cards of different leaf shapes (oak, maple, etc.)

Chart paper or whiteboard

Markers

Crayons

A large open space for a nature walk (park, schoolyard)

Learning Objectives

Children will be able to identify and collect at least three different types of leaves during the nature walk.

Children will be able to sort collected leaves based on observable characteristics like colour, size, or shape.

Children will be able to verbally describe a leaf using descriptive words related to its appearance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather the children and explain that today they will be going on a "Family Nature Walk" to find special treasures from nature, just like families find treasures in their homes. Show them the collecting bags and magnifying glasses.

2. Lead the children outside to the designated nature walk area. Remind them to look for fallen leaves and encourage them to imagine they are explorers discovering wonders for their family to admire.

3. As children find leaves, encourage them to use their magnifying glasses to observe the details. Ask questions like, "What do you notice about this leaf? Does it feel soft or crunchy?"

4. Once back inside, have each child share one leaf they collected. Ask them to hold it up and tell the group something special about their leaf, as if they are showing a gift to their family.

5. Spread out the collected leaves on tables. Guide the children to sort their leaves into groups. You can suggest sorting by colour, size, or by using the picture cards to find similar leaf shapes found in their home environments.

6. Introduce descriptive words. Hold up a leaf and model using words like "This leaf is big and yellow." Write these words on the chart paper.

7. Have children choose a few leaves and glue them onto sugar paper. Encourage them to use crayons to draw around their leaves and then try to write or draw one word that describes their favourite leaf.

8. Ask children to share their leaf artwork and describe one of their leaves to a partner, imagining they are sharing a special discovery with a family member.

Educator Tip

For children who may need more support, pair them with a peer who can assist with sorting and describing. Ensure the nature walk area is safe and free from hazards. Encourage children to share their leaf discoveries with their families at home, perhaps by bringing their artwork or the original leaf. This connects the learning experience directly to their family lives.

Assessment

Observe children during the leaf collection and sorting activities. Note their ability to identify and collect different types of leaves and how they participate in the sorting process. Listen to their verbal descriptions of the leaves. Collect their leaf artwork and observe their attempts to describe their chosen leaf through drawing or writing.

Educator tip

Use rubric; insist on justification; support with word banks.

Assessment

Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Rubric (1–4): accuracy, reasoning, clarity, independence.

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