Preschool Art Lesson Plan: "Wave to Fall"

Preschool Art Lesson Plan: Fall Leaf Handprint Collage "Wave to Fall"

• Age Group: 3–5 years old

• Duration: 45 minutes

Lesson Objectives:

• Encourage teamwork and creativity through a collaborative art project.

• Introduce the concept of seasonal changes in a hands-on, engaging way.

• Develop fine motor skills through cutting, gluing, and painting.

Materials Needed:

• Fall leaves (natural or artificial)

• Large cardboard (one piece per group)

• Coffee filters

• Paint (fall colors: yellow, orange, red, brown)

• Paper plates (for holding paint)

• Double-sided tape or glue sticks

• Wet wipes (for cleanup)

Lesson Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Discussion (2 minutes): Ask, “What season is it now?”

     • Guide the children to notice fall changes, such as the color of leaves, cooler temperatures, and people wearing more clothes.

   • Ask: “What colors do you see in the leaves during fall?”

     • Highlight the fall colors like yellow, orange, red, and brown.

2. Leaf Collage (10 minutes):

   • Allow each child to choose their favorite fall leaves.

   • Use glue or tape to stick the leaves around the edges of the large cardboard to create a colorful border.

3. Handprint Art (15 minutes):

   • Pour fall-colored paints into paper plates.

   • Guide each child to dip their palm into the paint, one color or multiple colors.

   • Have them press their painted hand onto a coffee filter.

   • Encourage children to count, “1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” and gently lift their hand to reveal the print.

   • Allow the handprints to dry briefly. Once dry, trim away the excess edges of the coffee filter.

4. Assemble the Artwork (5 minutes):

   • Attach the handprints in the center of the large cardboard.

   • Once complete, gather the children around and say, “Let’s wave to fall and say hello!”

5. Cleanup and Reflection (5 minutes):

   • Cleanup (2 minutes): Use wet wipes to clean hands after painting.

   • Reflection (3 minutes): Gather the children to reflect on their work. Ask, “What did you learn about fall today?” and “How did you show fall in your art?”

   • End of Lesson (final minutes): Display the finished artwork in the classroom to celebrate the children's creativity and teamwork!

Key Learning Goals:

• Fine Motor Skills: Practice cutting, gluing, and painting.

• Creativity: Encourage self-expression through art.

• Understanding of Seasons: Introduce the concept of fall through hands-on exploration.

Assessment:

• Engagement: Observe how actively the children engage with the project.

• Fine Motor Skills: Check using scissors, glue, and handprint techniques.

• Creativity: Assess how well the children incorporate fall elements into their artwork.

Extension Ideas (Optional):

• Leaf Exploration: Go outside to collect additional leaves for future projects.

• Fall Song: Sing a song about fall or the changing leaves as a class.