Kinder Leaves: Warm vs Cool Colors

When winter approaches, our part of Earth receives less sunlight, and the air grows colder. When these changes happen, trees prepare for winter. Trees that drop their leaves seal the spots where the leaves are attached. Then fluids cannot flow in and out of the leaves, which change color and fall off. The falling of the leaves does more than mark the season. It also helps the tree survive the cold, dry air of winter.

Kindergarteners loved learning all about leaves. We examined different shapes and colors as children began drawing their own giant leaves on paper. Each student drew three leaves and carefully outlined them (stems and veins included) with oil pastel. When that was done, students began outlining their leaves with puffy paint to create a dimensional affect. Glitter paint was also passed around. What Kindergartener doesn’t love a little glitter?

After our leaves were outlined, I taught kindergarteners the difference between warm and cool colors. Students began using watercolor paints to fill in the inside of their leaves with warm colors.

Their backgrounds were painted with cool colors. I showed students how to make paper borders for their masterpieces. Not all of the children finished them, but here are some of the completed pieces!