A Leaf's Journey

Hey, young Artist and Storyteller! Today, you're going on a creative adventure through the life of a leaf. Use your imagination, art, and storytelling to depict the leaf's life cycle!

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • ​Nature Journal, and pencils
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • (Tactile) drawing paper
  • Favorite drawing tools
  • Tactile markers
  • Tactile materials (like textured paper or clay)
  • Internet access for research
  • ​Screen reader (if available)
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist

Instructions: 

Step 1. Choose and Research Your Leaf:
  • Select a leaf to be the star of your story. It can be from any tree you like! You can use a natural leaf, or if that's not available, choose a leaf picture. 
  • Once you've chosen your leaf, research the tree species online. Is it a native, or does it come from some faraway country? 
  • If needed, use a screen reader.


Step 2. Create Your Leaf Character:
  • Give your leaf a name and personality.
  • Think about where you found the leaf and how it got there. 
  • What was it about the leaf that attracted you to it?


Step 3. Leaf's Adventures:
In your Nature Journal, braille slate, or on (tactile) drawing paper, draw or write a tale about your leaf's adventures. Explore its journey—did it dance in the wind or provide shade for animals? What else do you suppose it might have gotten up to? Delve into the details of your leaf's experiences, from vibrant color changes in autumn to any other changes it may have encountered. Be as descriptive and imaginative as you like, and let your artistic talents bring this leafy tale to life!


Step 4. Interact with Your Leaf:
Let your creativity soar! Utilize textured paper or clay to craft a tactile masterpiece of your leaf. If you have a natural leaf, explore its texture by running your fingertips over its surface. If not, draw inspiration from your imagination and research to create a tactile artwork that captures the essence of your leaf.


Step 5. Questions:
Write the answers to the following questions in your Nature Journal or braille slate.
​
  1. Describe the patterns on the leaf's surface. How did you replicate them in your artwork?
  2. How does drawing the leaf help you understand more about the tree it came from?
  3. What sounds do you associate with a leaf or a tree? How did you represent them in your art?
  4. Did you feel a connection to nature while working on this project? If so, explain how.


Step 7. Share Your Discoveries:
Share and amaze your family, friends, and others important to you with the imaginative processes you used to bring your leaf's life-cycle story to life!


Conclusion:
Crafting a story for your leaf engaged and challenged your imagination, providing a new way to interact with nature. It broadened your understanding of the natural world and the seasonal cycle. Have fun and keep looking for new ways to experience nature, young Artist and Storyteller!​

Image credit: Photograph by Denny Gruner