Leaf Measurement and Sorting Activity

These week the Virtual Book Club for Kids is all about leaves. We’re sharing a leaf measurement and sorting activity. It’s a fun way to practice some simple math and science skills. Be sure to check out all of the leaf themed activities inspired by Red Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Elhert. I get commissions for purchases made through the affiliate links in this post.

Read Leaf Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf follows the story of a maple tree. Lois Ehlert combines vibrant watercolor illustrations with photos of real maple tree seeds, roots, and fabric. Learn about the maple tree during different seasons of the year and watch how the tree changes.

Leaf Measurement and Sorting Activity

We started our activity with a trip outside to collect some leaves. The leaves on our maple tree have not started to change colors yet. Some of the trees are just beginning to change, but it’s still a bit warm in the Midwest for the beautiful fall colors to appear. How is it where you are?

We did find plenty of brown sycamore leaves and a few other red and yellow leaves.

I set up a simple invitation to explore the leaves. (I share invitations like these in my newsletters. Subscribe and receive exclusive science ideas for kids delivered right to your inbox.)

I placed rulers and leaves on a tray and encourage my daughter to come check them out. She was happy to join me. We looked at the leaves and talked about their colors and shapes. She noticed the ruler and pointed out the numbers. I showed her how to measure the leaves using the ruler. Place the end of your leaf next to the starting line on the ruler. Find out out long the leaf is. What number is the other end of the leaf closest to?

Lily also noticed the leaves were different sizes – some were big and some were little. I gave her a handful of sycamore leaves and asked her to tell me if the leaves were big or small. She enjoyed talking about each leaf.

Next, I asked her sort them into two piles. She placed the big leaves on one side of the tray and the small leaves on the other side.

This is a super simple leaf measurement activity that focuses on measuring and sorting. Grab a ruler and see what else you can measure. Looking for more measurement activities? Check out these 20 ideas to practice measuring.

More Activities from the Virtual Book Club for Kids

See more leaf themed activities inspired by Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf:

Spell Your Name With Leaves – Clare’s Little Tots
Fall Sensory Bin – The Moments at Home
Autumn Leaves Crayon Rubbing – Mama Smiles
Foil Leaf Preschool Art – Preschool Powol Packets
Cinnamon spiced autumn leaf cookies – Rainy Day Mum
Handprint Fall Tree Craft – Messy Little Monster
Nature Color Hunt – My Bored Toddler
Leaf Rubbings With Water Color Resist – To Be A Kid Again
Leaf Printing – CrArty Kids
Fall Color Leaf Viewer – JDaniel4’s Mom
Pre-Writing Activity Leaf Theme – The OT Toolbox
Collaborate Leaf Tree with Cutting Practice – My Storytime Corner
Fall Leaf Movement Activity with Sidewalk Chalk – The Educators’ Spin On It
Fall Leaf Color Stomp – Toddler Approved
Fall Leaf Shape Match – Teach Beside Me

Subscribe to the Inspiration Laboratories newsletter. Each issue has exclusive hands-on science explorations for children, a recap of our latest activities, and special resources selected just for you!