Lisandra Morales

LEI4724
Activity File 17

Activity Title: Leaf it up to art

Source: Gardiner, A. (2008, March 13). Leaf it up to art.
Equipment:
Leaves with interesting shapes or patterns, paint, brushes, sponges, paper
Description of Activity:
1. soak up paint with the sponge and set it on a plate
2. press the vein side of the leaf onto the sponge
3. place the leaf on the paper, paint side down
4. press the leaf carefully to transfer the design to the paper
Give participants opportunities to improve their skills when they transfer the paint. Then provide
them with canvas panels or nice greeting card quality papers. They can create their favorite
"master piece" on the more exclusive canvas panels or create many greeting cards to mail to
friends and family.
Leadership Considerations:
This activity works best with a group of 8 participants or less so the therapist can interact with
each participant and be able to assist them with their painting. This activity will help with leisure
skill development and may be a calming activity. The therapist should take into thought that this
activity is for sensory purposes. Allow the participant to feel and talk about the different textures
and colors they are incorporating in their paint. Facilitate the paint for them and have a variety of
colors for them to select from. Ask them if this activity helped them relax. They might not notice
but they express a lot through their painting even if they dont express it. Showing their painting
can also be a way to break the ice with other participants. They can enjoy each others painting
and point out the uniqueness of each.
Adaptations:
Participants with Epilepsy: Its a group of neurological diseases characterized by epileptic
seizures, which contain episodes that can differ from passing and almost untraceable to long

periods of strong shaking. This neurological disorder occurs when there is a sudden change in
how the brain works. When the brain cells are not working properly, a persons consciousness,
movement or actions may be changed for a short time. The therapist should be prepared to follow
the basic first-aid in case a seizure might occur. The area around these participants should be
cleared of any objects that can cause harm to the participant during a seizure. It may be hard but
after an episode passes, encourage the participant to continue their activity if they feel well
enough. They should still feel as if they are a part of the activity even if they just encountered
some difficulties along the way.
Participants with Hypertension: This is a chronic medical condition where the blood pressure in
the arteries is insistently raised. Hypertension usually does not cause symptoms primarily, but
persistent hypertension over time is a major risk factor and can cause hypertensive heart disease,
stroke, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease to name a few. The therapist should
be conscious if the participant is taking any antihypertensive drug and should have them
available.