Collect tree leaves and other familiar foliage to create a great activity for reminiscing.
This is a great fall activity for professionals or caregivers in a home setting.
Yes, I have gotten spoiled since I’ve lived in New England. The fall leaves are spectacular. But even in my native New Orleans, there are familiar tree leaves that I remember: from the magnificent oaks to the magnolias and pecan trees. Perhaps ferns and grasses are important in your local landscape. What ever you think will work.
COLLECT THE LEAVES
1. The key is to collect leaves from your geographic location that might spark memories for your clients.
2. Depending of the mobility of the people, you can either bring in a basket of leaves and foliage that you have collected or make an outing of it. At home, I bring my dad for short walks in the yard to collect leaves.We talk about the different trees in New England and how they differ from the ones in New Orleans. That in itself is a good way to spark memories.
IDENTIFY & DISCUSS THE LEAVES
3. As they look at the different leaves, you can help them identify the trees and have a “Guess the Leaf” game. Ask them about the trees they remember or have them tell a tree story.
CREATE THE CARDS
4. Precut card or other paper stock to accommodate one leaf.
5. Have participants select the leaves of their choice.
6. Glue a single leaf on a card.
7. Print the name of the leaf on the back and/or front of the card.
8. Laminate the cards for durability.
ACTIVITIES WITH THE CARDS
These cards can be used in a number of ways:
Create a caregiver’s gift of 4 or more cards for use at home.
Use the cards for seasonal reminiscing sessions.
Have them create “Tree Stories” using the cards as a starting point.
Have them draw, trace or do rubbings from the leaves on the cards.
Create a “concentration” game from the cards lined up on the table.
| Setup Time | 2 hours |
| Completion Time | 1 hours |
| Resources | Leaves and other foliage Card or paper stock Glue sticks Markers Lamination |
| Benefits | socialization reminiscing storytelling fine and gross motor skills outdoor sensory stimulation |
| Skill Level | Easy |