It’s true that children need a lot of movement throughout the day. But every so often they will appreciate switching to fine motor work as a nice break from big muscle building.

Let’s embark upon a nature-themed fine motor activity: Threading Leaves.

Materials:

An assortment of leaves, washed
Twine or thin hemp
A fat needle or thin twig

Your child will learn:

Fine motor control
Coordination by using both hands
Concentration and focus

Set it up:

Tie a length of twine or string on one end of your needle or twig. Tie a knot in the opposite end so the leaves don’t fall off.
From the pile of green leaves, show your child the first time around how to gently press the end of the twig or needle through the center of the leaf.
Pull the leaf further down the twine, as close to the end as you’d like. You can make the leaves close to one another or spread out!
Hang your leaf banner in an outdoor space, or recycle the leaves in a compost pile when you’re finished.

This simple activity made with natural materials is a fun way to explore the blossoming outdoors. Follow your child’s interest to have conversations about different types or colors of leaves, what leaves do for plants, and why leaves fall of leaves in autumn!