Falling Leaves Stories
Celebrate the changing season by inviting children to explore the colours, textures, and stories of fallen leaves. This activity encourages connection with the land through observation, imagination, and gratitude — reflecting Indigenous perspectives that teach us to learn from the natural world.
What Do You Do?
- Head outdoors to an area with trees and notice how the land changes in autumn. Invite children to gather a variety of fallen leaves — exploring different shapes, colours, and patterns.
- Ask open-ended questions such as, “What story might this leaf tell?” or “Where has this leaf travelled?”
- Encourage them to sort or arrange their leaves into patterns, leaf “families,” or trails.
- Children can use the leaves to tell a story about change, movement, or belonging.
Allow plenty of time for free play and creativity. There is no “right” way to participate.
Suggested Resources:
- “Learning from the Land” (First Nations Education Steering Committee, BC) — framework for land-based learning in early childhood and school programs.
- “Natural Curiosity 2nd Edition: A Resource for Educators” (Dr. Jean-Paul Restoule et al., University of Toronto OISE) — explores Indigenous perspectives in environmental education.
- “Think Indigenous: ᓂᑕᐯᐦᐃᑲᓂᐤ (Nitapêhikaniw): A Teachers’ Guide to Indigenous Land-Based Learning” — practical ideas for connecting students with the land respectfully.
- Local Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or cultural liaisons — always the most valuable resource for guidance and authentic connection to place.
What Do You Need?
- A natural area with trees
- Baskets, buckets, or trays for collecting (optional)
- Large paper or cardboard if children wish to create leaf displays
Safety Considerations:
Only collect fallen leaves; avoid breaking or damaging living plants. We want to leave no trace. Check the area for hazards such as uneven ground, slippery leaves, or sharp sticks. Encourage awareness of insects that may be sheltering under leaves. We do not want to wreck animal homes. Ensure to dress appropriately for the weather.
Benefits:
Intellectual: Encourages observation, classification, and creative storytelling. Builds understanding of seasonal changes and cycles in nature. Develops descriptive language and sequencing skills.
Spiritual: Fosters gratitude and respect for the gifts of the land. Encourages mindfulness and awareness of change and renewal. Supports a sense of belonging and connection with the natural world.
Physical: Promotes balance, coordination, and gross motor movement through walking, bending, and collecting. Builds fine motor skills when arranging or handling leaves. Encourages outdoor activity and sensory engagement.
Emotional: Promotes calmness through slow, nature-based play. Builds confidence and self-expression through open-ended exploration. Nurtures empathy and a sense of community through shared experiences outdoors.