Leaf Tree Easy Craft for Preschoolers to Make this Autumn
Fall is a wonderful time for children to explore nature and engage in creative activities. One fun and simple fall activity and craft idea is creating "fall leaves and stick trees." This fall nature craft project allows kids to use the vibrant, colorful autumn leaves found in nature to make their own easy fall tree craft art using real leaves, actual sticks and glue. Not only does this craft stimulate creativity, but it also connects children to the natural world, teaching them about the beauty of seasonal changes. It's a hands-on great activity that promotes both artistic expression and an appreciation for nature in younger children and families.
Leaf Tree Easy Craft for Preschoolers to Make this Autumn
Fall season is almost here and it is my favorite time of year with cooler temperatures and fall colors everywhere, outside festivals galore, fall activities, and lots of acorns on the ground for easy acorn crafts with my kids. My least favorite part of fall in Virginia is the massive amounts of leaves that fall from my big old oak trees and a LOT of acorns, I repeat a lot of acorns. But I have found a way to get some of the acorns picked up by my kids and turn them into great ideas for a fun Thanksgiving DIY craft! This is another way to get young children outside and gathering leaves for this fall leaf craft. There are so many educational aspects to fall art projects
Using the Craft at Home or School
This fall leaves and stick tree craft can be easily adapted for home or school use. At home, families can set up a small crafting space where kids can create their own fall trees after a nature walk. In a classroom setting, teachers can use this craft to complement lessons about fall and nature. It's a great way to reinforce lessons on seasons, colors, and the life cycle of trees, and it can be tailored to different age groups.
Incorporating the Craft into a Fall Lesson
This activity can be seamlessly incorporated into a fall-themed lesson plan focused on changes in the seasons. Teachers or parents can talk about how trees change throughout the year—losing their leaves in the fall and regrowing them in spring. Discussing why leaves change color and fall from trees before starting the craft will help younger kids better understand the natural world. Additionally, students can collect various types of small to large leaves and identify them as part of a mini-botany lesson.
Nature Walk to Collect Materials
Making a nature walk with young kids successful requires thoughtful preparation and a sense of adventure. Start by choosing a short, easy-to-navigate path that offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. Young children are naturally curious, so encourage them to observe their surroundings closely—pointing out interesting plants, colorful leaves, and animals along the way. Bring along a small bag or basket for them to collect natural treasures like sticks, leaves, or acorns, which can later be used in creative projects or discussions. Keep the walk interactive by asking questions, such as “What colors do you see?” or “Can you find a leaf that’s different from the others?” To keep them engaged, allow plenty of time for pauses and exploration, letting them investigate things that catch their eye. Most importantly, be flexible and enjoy the slower pace, embracing the joy of discovery through their eyes.
Before beginning the craft, plan a nature walk either as a family or class activity. A stroll through a local park or your neighborhood is the perfect way to gather colorful fall leaves, twigs, and sticks. Encourage children to collect a variety of leaves, observing the different shapes, sizes, and colors. This outdoor adventure enhances the sensory experience of the project and fosters an appreciation for the beauty of fall. One of my favorite parts of autumn crafts
Supplies:
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real fall leaves
real twigs and sticks
white cardstock paper or other construction paper colors can work too. You can use a regular piece of paper but it will be harder to display these
glue (I would recommend using hot glue as glue stick wont work great with the stick!)
Directions:
Go on a nature walk and collect a variety of beautiful leaves, sticks, and twigs. Place them in a bin. If desired, allow them plenty of time to dry out.(You do not have to wait until they dry for this craft.)
Set up your crafting work space.
Pick out a few sticks to create a tree on the white cardstock paper. Glue the sticks to the paper.
Allow the child to pick out their favorite leaves from their nature walk. Glue the leaves around the tree.
Kids can pick similar leaves for their tree, or they can change the leaves up. For this tree, I used one type of leaf for the tree.
Allow the sticks and leaves to dry. Once dry, display!
If you want to keep crafting after this, use your remaining leaves and make leaf people. Grab googly eyes and a black marker and draw leaf faces on them! Fun fall crafts do not need to be complicated for little hands. These crafts are simple that adult assistance isnt going to be required.
Creating a fall leaves and stick tree craft is a memorable and educational way to celebrate autumn with children. Whether done at home or school, it helps kids learn about seasonal changes while practicing fine motor skills and creativity. This project also serves as a wonderful reminder that nature can be an inspiration for art.
For teachers, this craft can enrich fall-themed lessons about weather patterns, tree lifecycles, and color theory. At home, it's a special way to bond with children while appreciating the outdoors. The final result—an artistic tree decorated with vibrant leaves—becomes a colorful reminder of the beauty found in nature's transitions. Whether displayed on a classroom wall or the fridge at home, it serves as a lasting testament to the wonders of autumn.
