STREAM Activity: Autumn Leaf Suncatcher

Say hello to fall with a fun craft!

Activity best for children ages 2 and up

Throughout the year, our planet goes through several changes. As our planet Earth orbits the sun, the sun lights up either the northern or southern hemisphere. When fall comes around, the Earth’s position during its orbit will allow the sun to pass through our equator, moving from the northern to southern hemisphere, or in other words, shining sunlight from the top part of the earth to the bottom part. What this means is that our daytime and nighttime will be almost equal in length. This is also when fall officially begins! Let’s say hello to the fall season by making an Autumn Leaf Suncatcher! This is a glitter-free craft with a fun paper alternative.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.47.59 PM

Materials:

Clear sheet

String

Scissors or hole puncher

Glue

Colored paper

Guiding Questions:

What are your favorite leaf colors?

Do leaves look different in the summer than in the fall?

Directions

Step 1

Take different colored pieces of paper and use either a hole punch or some scissors to cut out small pieces. This will later be sprinkled onto your suncatcher and will give it color.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.50.31 PM

Step 2

Take your glue and trace a leaf shape onto your clear sheet.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.51.05 PM

Step 3

Add a piece of yarn and place it on the glue tracing. Let it dry for 30 minutes or until completely dry.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.52.50 PM

Step 4

Add another full layer of glue inside your leaf.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.53.38 PM

Step 5

Sprinkle the pieces of colored paper over the leaf shape. Leave it to dry for a few hours on a flat surface to prevent the glue from running out of the yarn.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.54.19 PM

Step 6

Shake off the excess paper and carefully cut it out.

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.55.19 PM

Step 7

Punch or poke a hole towards the top of your leaf. Tie some string into a loop and your Autumn Leaf Suncatcher is ready to be hung and to catch light!

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.55.55 PM

Grown Ups-Are you looking for more ways to extend your child’s learning? Check out these extension activities to build upon today’s STREAM activity!

Reading Connections

Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber

Screen Shot 2023 08 29 At 1.56.44 PM

Science Connections

Leaves have different traits–shapes, sizes, and different colors that change with the season. Scientists can discover lots of information just by looking at the shape or color of a certain leaf. Next time you find a cool leaf, try to observe its traits and see what you can learn from it!