Making a fall leaf suncatcher is a fun and easy autism-friendly craft activity for families with children with autism. This project allows children to explore different textures and colors while creating a beautiful decoration for your home. It’s also a great sensory activity that can be calming and engaging.
Materials Needed for Your Fall Leaf Suncatcher
Before starting, gather all the materials you’ll need for this autism-friendly craft:
- Clear contact paper
- Colorful fall leaves (natural or artificial)
- Tissue paper in fall colors (red, orange, yellow, brown)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
- Tape
You can find most of these materials at a local craft store or use items from your yard, like real leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Suncatcher
Follow these simple steps to create your fall leaf suncatcher. Allow your child to help with each step to make the activity more interactive and enjoyable.
- Prepare the Contact Paper: Cut two equal-sized pieces of clear contact paper. The size can vary depending on how large you want your suncatcher. Remove the backing from one piece and place it on the sticky side on a flat surface. Tape down the corners to keep it from moving.
- Arrange the Leaves and Tissue Paper: Let your child arrange the fall leaves and pieces of tissue paper on the sticky side of the contact paper. They can layer the leaves and tissue paper to create colorful patterns. Encourage them to explore different textures and colors as they place the items.
- Seal the Suncatcher: Once your child is happy with their design, peel the backing off the second piece of contact paper. Carefully place the sticky side down on top of the first piece, sealing the leaves and tissue paper inside. Press down firmly to remove any air bubbles.
- Cut and Shape the Suncatcher: Use scissors to cut the sealed contact paper into a shape of your choice, like a circle, square, or even a leaf. Be creative and let your child help with this step if they are comfortable using scissors.
- Add a Hole and String: Punch a hole at the top of the suncatcher and thread a piece of string or ribbon through it. This will be used to hang the suncatcher. Tie a knot at the top of the string to create a loop for hanging.
- Hang and Enjoy: Find a sunny window in your home and use tape or a suction cup hook to hang the suncatcher. The light shining through the colorful leaves and tissue paper will create a beautiful effect that your child can enjoy.
Benefits of This Autism-Friendly Crafts
This fall leaf suncatcher craft offers several benefits for children with autism:
- Sensory Engagement: The different textures of leaves and tissue paper provide tactile input, while the colors offer visual stimulation.
- Fine Motor Skills: Placing the leaves and cutting the contact paper help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Creativity and Self-Expression: This craft allows children to make choices and create their unique designs, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Variations to Suit Your Child’s Needs
Every child is different, so feel free to modify this craft to suit your child’s preferences better:
- For Children Who Prefer Simplicity: Use only one type of leaf or color of tissue paper to create a more organized, less overwhelming design.
- For Children Who Like Patterns: Encourage your child to create patterns with the leaves and tissue paper. This activity can be both engaging and calming.
- For Children Who Enjoy More Texture: Add other natural materials such as small twigs, flower petals, or seeds to enhance the sensory experience.
Contact Circle City ABA for ABA Therapy Services
At Circle City ABA, we are committed to supporting families with children with autism through personalized ABA therapy services. Our team of experienced therapists is here to help your child reach their full potential. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, please contact our team today.
Crafting together is a great way to spend time as a family and support your child’s sensory needs. Try making this fall leaf suncatcher and enjoy the beauty of autumn from the comfort of your home. Happy crafting!
