Card from Dried Leaves

This activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. It is important for students to experience the joy of creativity and communication with materials obtained from nature. Additionally, cards can serve as a tool to remember traditional cultural communication methods.

Objective of the Activity:

 To direct children's interest towards nature

 To enhance children's fine motor skills and aesthetic values

 To improve children's communication skills and teach them handcrafted product creation

 To increase children's sensitivity towards living and non-living beings in their environment

First the Story

After having dinner, Ruka and Tako helped Tako’s grandfather clean up the table. Once they finished cleaning, Tako said to his grandfather:

Materials

Activity

Children are taken to a nearby park, botanical garden, or countryside trip and asked to collect flowers and leaves.

However;

 Students are instructed to collect newly fallen leaves and flowers from plants rather than picking them off.

 If there aren't enough leaves on the ground, they may gently pick one or two leaves or flowers from the same plant.

 Absolutely no damage should be done to the roots of the plants, and the reasons should be explained.

The collected leaves and flowers are carefully placed inside a thick book in the classroom to dry. It may take 1 - 2 weeks for the flowers to dry completely. During the drying process, flowers should be checked visually without touching them. Children experience this drying process themselves.

For the activity, pieces can be cut from either white or colored cardboard. Fold them in half similar to a notebook and write a celebratory message on the inside for the special occasion. If a mistake is made, the card can be replaced. Later, decorate these cards with dried flowers and leaves. During the design process, students should be encouraged to unleash their creativity rather than sticking to similar designs.

The prepared cards are placed in envelopes to be given or sent to recipients for special occasions.

Attention!

Dried flowers and leaves can be very delicate and fragile. Therefore, when handling them, use thin-tipped tools like tweezers.

This activity can be used as an eTwinning project. Our holidays are generally different from holidays in other countries, but during times like New Year's or Children's Day, exchanging cards with children from different countries can turn into a wonderful activity.

Evaluation Questions

 What kind of plants did you choose for your card?

 What colors were the plants you chose?

 How many days did it take for your leaves and flowers to dry?

 Who would you like to give your card to?

 What will you write inside your card?

 And who would you like to receive a card from?