New this week on the art shelf is leaf rubbing work. I am really excited about this activity. However, let me just say that I would strongly advocate doing this with real leaves at home with your children. In our classroom setting, I am using the leaf rubbing plates I purchased from Amy at Let's Explore. (I LOVE Amy's selection of items. I am always finding great stuff for home and the classroom.)
Here is how I set the activity up on a tray. This tray is on the bottom shelf of our art shelf. To do this work, the child takes the whole tray from the shelf and carries it to a table. From top going clockwise are: a little wire basket of leaf rubbing plates (NOTE: the set from Amy comes with MANY different leaves; I only put out six for this activity); a bowl with 2 little clothespins, a basket of crayon rocks (also purchased from Let's Explore; I LOVE THESE!!), a stack of paper (I just used the precut metal inset paper and it is working fine).
The child uses the clothespins to secure the paper on top of the rubbing plate. Using their non-dominant hand to brace the paper, they rub the crayon rock over the top until the leaf image appears. The crayon rocks are so perfect for this activity. They force the children to use a tripod grip, so they are very, very good to strengthen and develop the little muscles needed for writing. Many children have already enjoyed doing this activity.
Love it! I was writing about rubbing plates today too...so I linked to you! :)
Posted by: Amy @ Let's Explore | October 08, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Thank you for the clothespin idea. I have been wondering how to make this more self serve for my little guy!
Posted by: Mary | October 08, 2008 at 01:33 PM