# Leaf Math and Sculptures
> Write numbers on collected fall leaves, punch holes in them, then have kids put them in order and thread them onto bamboo skewers stuck in a recycled Styrofoam block. Younger kids practice number recognition and counting, and older kids build leaf sculptures.
- URL: https://www.funlittles.com/leaf-activities-kids-leaf-math-sculptures/
- Ages: 3–6 yrs · Difficulty: easy · Mess: low
- Time: prep 30 min, activity 30 min
- Works for: one-on-one, small group, whole class
- Skills: number-recognition, counting, number-order, fine-motor, problem-solving, building, nature-exploration
- Cautions: ingestion-risk

## Materials (one batch)
- 9 piece Fall leaves (big, sturdy ones)
- 1 piece Styrofoam block (household)
- Bamboo skewers (household)
- 1 piece Hole punch (household)
- 1 piece Permanent marker (household)

## Safety
- Bamboo skewers have sharp points. Supervise closely, show kids how to push them point-down into the foam, and consider snipping off the sharp tips first.
- An adult writes the numbers with the permanent marker.
- Styrofoam can crumble into small pieces, and toddlers may mouth leaves or foam bits. Supervise at all times.
- Wash hands after handling leaves collected outdoors.

## Before you start
- Go on a nature walk and collect big leaves.
- Write a number on each leaf, and draw small leaf pictures on it for kids to count.
- Punch a hole at each end of every leaf.

## Steps
1. Set out the Styrofoam block, bamboo skewers and number leaves.
2. Explore the leaves and call out the numbers.
3. Stuck on a number, like 6 or 9? Count the little leaf pictures on the leaf.
4. Arrange the number leaves in order.
5. Push the bamboo skewers into the Styrofoam block.
6. Thread the leaves onto the skewers through the holes and stack them up.
7. Try a smaller block with many skewers and arrange the number leaves in a row.
8. Build a sculpture: move the skewers closer or farther apart, and turn or flip the leaves to fit.
9. Show off your finished leaf sculpture.

## Tips
- Only a few of our leaves had fall colors and most were brown, but their shape, texture and size were something to look at.
- We used a Styrofoam block from a package. We love recycled crafts and activities.
- When my 3 year old couldn't identify a number (usually 6 and 9), I had her count the leaf pictures on the leaf. It's extra counting practice.
- Let younger kids explore first. Mine started crumbling the leaves before we got to the numbers.
- The stacking doesn't have to be in order. Threading the leaves and inserting the skewers is a great workout for fine motor skills.
- My 5 year old went straight to building. She showed a lot of problem solving while trying to create the pattern she wanted.

## The original post by TurkeyMom (2013)

With the turn of seasons we created a few leaf activities for kids. As I always say, the kids and I enjoy **themed learning**. They are a great way to keep learning and exploring fresh for the kids. This time we tweaked our [**math activities**](https://www.funlittles.com/category/math-play/) and brought in a little fall in our activities. With nature lovers in the house, it is always a plus to incorporate nature bits in our learning. What's more fitting than using **leaves** as counters! *{ Here are a few [**leaf activities for kids**](https://www.funlittles.com/tag/leaves/)}* **Materials**

- Fall Leaves
- Hole Punch
- Styrofoam Block
- Bamboo skewers
- Permanent Marker

A week ago we went on a nature walk and collected these big, beautiful leaves. Only a few of them had the characteristic fall colors and most of them were brown. But the shape, texture and size of these leaves were something to look at. I gathered the leaves up and wrote down the numbers on them. Since we love **[recycled crafts](https://www.funlittles.com/category/upcyclerecycle/) and activities,** I used a Styrofoam block ( from a package) and set it out along with bamboo skewers and the leaves.

*Leaf activities for kids- an invitation to explore, learn and play with leaves*
 I also punched out two holes on the either ends of the leaves in the hopes that the children will use them to build something.**[*{ they love building activities}*](https://www.funlittles.com/building-activities-for-kids-pipecleaners/)**

 ***3 Year old's experience*** She first explored the leaves first and calling out the numbers. She recalled our [**Fall Maracas**](https://www.funlittles.com/fall-crafts-homemade-fall-maracas/) making process and started crumbling the leaves. Now those are fun leaf activities for these kids themselves!. However this time we are doing a hands on play based learning activity. I encouraged her to call out the numbers and we decided to arrange them in order. Once that was done, she started "stacking them" While we did not dothe stacking in a proper order she was very excited to thread the leaves through the holes. She also enjoyed inserting the bamboo skewers on the block. What are a great work out for those [***fine motor skills.***](https://www.funlittles.com/category/fine-motor-activities/)

 Every now and then when she would get stuck and is unable to identify the number ( usually 6 and 9) I had her count the leaf pictures on the leaves to help her with the number***. {Counting practice}***



We tried the same leaf activities on another smaller block with many skewers inserted. My 3 year old independently created this mini leaf activity and announced that she is going to arrange the number leaves horizontally

 Ooh looks great with those leaves fanned out!



***5 Year old's experience***

Surprise! Surprise!*( said in a sarcastic tone*) She wanted to build and create. That kid really enjoys building and creating activities.

She was meticulously planning and attaching the leaves to the skewers. She showed a great deal of problem solving skills while trying to create a partclar pattern she wanted.



She would move the skewers closer/far away, turned the leaves around to fit the needs, inverted them and so many more. This leaf activity was great for her math skills.



Finally she was done and loved what she created.



She was very proud of her leaf sculptures and couldn't wait to show dad.



Thanks for reading

For more fall activities for kids

[](https://www.funlittles.com/category/season/fall-season/)

Thanks for reading