This Squirrel Leaf Thief-inspired craft sparks fall creativity, builds motor skills, and invites cozy playtime.
Looking for a fun and meaningful fall activity for your toddler? This Squirrel Leaf Thief-inspired craft is the perfect blend of seasonal creativity, hands-on learning, and cozy, connection-filled play. It’s a simple way to boost fine motor skills while bringing the charming story to life.
The Leaf Thief is a sweet autumn read that’s full of charm and giggles, making it the perfect launch point for cozy, creative moments with your toddler. Pair story time with a simple leaf squirrel craft that encourages fine motor skills and playful connection—moms, this one’s easy and fun!
Materials & Supplies Needed for The Leafy Squirrel Craft:
Below is a list of the materials and supplies you will need for the Leafy Squirrel Craft activity:
- Real or artificial fall leaves
- Paper squirrel cutout (or trace and cutout from recycled cardboard)
- Glue or paintbrush with paste
- Tray to keep the activity tidy
- Optional: The Leaf Thief book
How To Make The Leafy Squirrel Craft ~ Step-By-Step Instructions:
First, read the storybook, ‘The Leaf Thief’ with your child.
Then, head outside and collect some colorful fall leaves together.
Next, cut out a simple squirrel shape. Invite your child to glue leaves for the bushy tail.
Finally, add flowers or extra leaves for texture.
Developmental Benefits of The Leaf Thief Craft For Toddlers
The developmental benefits of this leafy squirrel craft can include building fine motor strength with gluing. Sparking creativity with the use of natural textures. It connects story time with hands-on play, and it encourages outdoor exploration.
Builds fine motor strength with gluing
This craft is a fun and effective way to support fine motor development in toddlers. As little hands squeeze glue bottles, pinch leaves, and place small pieces with care, they’re building strength and coordination in the muscles needed for writing, cutting, and other important skills.
Sparks creativity with natural textures
Using real leaves and other natural materials adds a sensory-rich element to the craft. Toddlers get to explore different shapes, colors, and textures, encouraging open-ended creativity and imaginative thinking as they design their own unique squirrel creations.
Connects story time with hands-on play
Pairing The Leaf Thief with a related craft deepens the learning experience. It helps children engage more fully with the story, making connections between the book’s characters and their own playful creations. This blend of reading and doing reinforces comprehension in a joyful, memorable way.
Encourages outdoor exploration
Before the crafting even begins, this activity invites kids outside to gather leaves. It’s a great opportunity to notice the colors of fall, observe trees and animals, and develop a sense of wonder about the natural world—turning a simple walk into an adventure.
Extend The Leaf Thief Craft Fall Play:
Ways to extend the play could include trying to make other animals with leaf bodies. You can suggest sorting the leaves by color before gluing. Or you could try creating a leaf collage forest scene.
Tips For Success in Making this Leaf Craft for Toddlers
Keep leaves in a small box or basket. Use a tray to limit mess. Let the children lead — the craft does not need to look perfect!
Summary:
Inspired by the beloved fall book The Leaf Thief, this simple squirrel craft invites toddlers to explore the season through hands-on creativity. Using real or paper leaves, little ones build fine motor skills while making their own playful squirrel friend—perfect for pairing with story time and cozy autumn fun.
Want More Hands-On Ideas Like This?
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For More Autumn-Inspired Activities
Check out here a Video Tutorial on how to make Taste-Safe Cereal Bin.
Click here for Hands-On Math | Leaf Hole Punch Counting Tree.
For counting fun, click here to make a Counting Apples Preschool Recycled Cardboard DIY Kids Numeracy Activity.
For Halloween Counting Fun
Click here for a video tutorial on how to make a Spider Counting | Reusable-DIY Math-Board.
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