Leaf Circle Time Props and Activities {Free Printable}

Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: These leaf circle time props and activities are a perfect addition to your toddler and preschool fall theme, keeping young children engaged!

It’s fall and you are looking for some engaging activities for your toddlers and preschoolers.

Particularly circle time, when it can feel like a struggle to keep their interest.

I’ve put together some leaf props and activities that will be a great addition to your fall theme!

You and your students can hold the leaf sticks while reciting rhymes and fingerplays, singing songs, and reading books.

Bonus! I added some numbered leaves (1-5) that can be used for the counting songs and fingerplays!

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to get your free printable leaf props!

Leaf Circle Time Props and Activities

One of my most-asked questions is how to keep young children focused during circle time sessions.

My answer?

Props.

Rather than expect them to sit and listen, get them engaged by having an assortment of props.

What types of props?

I talk about it, showing examples, in this video.

Today I am sharing more props with you that can be used with leaf stories, songs, and fingerplays.

First, Assemble the Leaf Props

Before planning your leaf circle time activities, download and make copies of the leaf circle time props.

What you will need:

Popsicle sticks or Jumbo Craft Sticks
Laminator
Scotch tape
Leaves (scroll down page to find free printable)

We suggest either printing these on heavy paper or laminating them for extra durability.

Make enough copies so that you have one set of leaf sticks for each student and yourself.

Preparation:

Cut out the desired amount of leaves and gather your popsicle or jumbo craft sticks.

Tape the leaves to the top of each stick.

I created one set (5 colors) for each of my students, as well as a set for myself.

Note: Photos do not show orange, as these were added after this post was written. However, they ARE part of the set.

Using the Leaf Props with Songs and Fingerplays

While filling out your circle time planner, you can choose some of these songs and fingerplays to use with the leaf props:

Autumn-time is Coming (DLTK)

Leaves are Falling (Learning with Mrs. Parker)

Leaves are Falling Fall Song (No Time for Flashcards)

5 Golden Autumn Leaves (Picklebums)

5 Little Leaves (Boy Mama Teacher Mama)

Fall Leaves (The Lemonade Stand Teacher)

Fall Leaves Falling (The Stay-at-Home Mom Survival Guide)

Leaves Action Rhyme (Preschool Powol Packets)

Fall Music and Songs (Preschool Education)

The children can move their leaf sticks around while reciting the song or fingerplay. If the song has the same colors as the leaf props, invite the children to hold up each leaf by color as it’s mentioned.