Early years activity: Leaf printing

Leaf printing is a fun and sensory way for young children to explore nature, colours, shapes and textures. By using real leaves and paint, children can create unique patterns while developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This activity also helps children to develop an understanding of seasonal changes and encourages curiosity about the natural world. 

Leaf printing activity learning aims

• Explore colour, pattern and creativity 
• Introduce and develop vocabulary related to nature (leaf, vein, texture, colour) 
• Explore the natural environment and observe differences in leaves and patterns. 

Resources you will need for this activity

• A variety of leaves (different shapes and sizes) 
• A variety of paints in different autumn colours 
• Paper 
• A variety of brushes and sponges. 

Leaf printing activity outline

• Take the children on an autumn walk, either around your local area or in your outdoor space and provide them with bags or baskets to collect a variety of leaves 
• Once back in the setting, explore the leaves together - encourage children to notice the different shapes, textures and patterns and talk about how they feel and look 
• Provide a range of paper, paints, brushes and sponges. Invite children to paint the leaves in whichever way they choose - some may enjoy brushing paint onto one side, others may prefer dipping or pressing the leaf into paint  
• Demonstrate how to press the painted leaf onto paper to make a print, but allow children to explore and experiment independently 
• Encourage children to make patterns with the painted leaves; they could try overlapping leaves, using different colours and varying the pressure to create unique patterns  
• As they paint, comment on what they are making and introduce vocabulary such as ‘veins’, ‘edges’, or ‘patterns’ to support language development 
• Once the prints are dry, display them and encourage a discussion about what the children noticed, such as the colours, shapes and patterns. Add photos, observations, quotes from the children and the new vocabulary to your display. 

How to extend this activity

Collect a variety of leaves and invite children to explore and sort them by size, shape or colour, encouraging observation and discussion about the differences they notice. 

NDNA products to support you with this activity

Expressive Arts & Design nursery training - Face to face training
Nature Play – Inspiring Outdoor Approaches - Publication