As the weather starts to turn, so will the leaves on the beautiful trees begin to turn colour. Using the fallen colourful leaves, help your elderly loved ones collect, identify and sort each one! This is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the freshness of the Fall season - perfect for body, mind, and soul!
Here's what you need:
4 paper bags
Leaf colour labels or a marker to label each bag
Basket to collect leaves
Leaf identification chart (example image below)
Tabletop surface for sorting
Here's what to do:
Once a number of colourful leaves have fallen outside your loved one's residence, take them outside on a warm, sunny day and begin to collect a basket of leaves - trying to collect ones of different colours and shapes. If it is difficult to get outdoors with your loved one, collect leaves on your own and bring them with you on your next visit!
Place the colour label tags (red, yellow, green, orange) on each open paper bag. If you do not have labels, simply write the colour on each bag so that it is visible.
With your loved one, sort through the small pile of leaves (you don't want it to be too overwhelming with too many leaves). Ask questions, such as "what type of leaf is this?" or "what colour is this maple leaf?".
Begin the conversation and start to have them sort each leaf into the appropriate paper bag.
This activity helps to activate their prior knowledge and recall and provides some outdoor physical activity. Plus, you can use the leaves for an art activity later on!
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