Make a memory book out of leaf pages

As We Leaf

As the school year comes to a close, this activity can be used to summarize the year. This activity can be used for any age group. An autograph book, where the children can write positive expressions to each other, if a fun way to bring closure to another year.

Objective: to express oneself through writing.

Background:	The end of the school year marks the completion of learning new skills and knowledge. For some children, it will also mark the end of their time with their classmates. They may be going to the next school level – Junior High – and will not be with their current classmates or they may be leaving the school because their family is moving. This autograph book can serve as a reminder of the friends and activities that were part of that year.
Skills:	The ability to trace and cut. They should also be able to write.
Age:	Grades 1 – adult
Materials:	Construction paper, stapler, staples, leaves, pencil or pen
Activity:	Each child should select a leaf – maple and oak leaves are best. Have the children trace and cut out five to eight leaves out of construction paper. All the leaves should be the same, but could be different colors. Once the leaves are cut out, staple them together. Instruct the children on how to write a positive statement about each other. Explain how good they feel when someone compliments them, or notices a good deed that they’ve done. Use examples: John, thanks for being a great lockermate. Wendy, you have been a true friend this year. George, thanks for listening when I needed to talk. Give them ample time to sign each others books.
Discussion:	If the children are old enough to be discreet, you may want to discuss how they felt after reading some of the comments or how they felt when they were asked to write in someone else’s book. Suggest that they put the books away and look at them when they are bored during the summer. They may want to put them away and look at them in a few years. Do they think they’ll remember these friends?

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