CU 4.04Parts of the Leaf
The child names the blade, veins, midrib, and petiole of a real leaf and the leaf puzzle.
Age 4–5½Work 4 of 7 in Botany
Presentation
- 1
Give the child a real leaf. Name the flat part: 'This is the blade.'
- 2
Trace the center line with a finger: 'This is the midrib.' Trace the smaller lines: 'These are veins. They carry water.'
- 3
Point to the small stalk: 'This is the petiole. It holds the leaf to the stem.'
- 4
Look at the veins with the magnifying glass.
- 5
Bring the leaf puzzle. Remove, trace, and name each piece.
- 6
Give a three-period lesson.
- 7
Make a leaf rubbing and name the parts that show up.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Match three-part cards
- Collect leaves and name the parts on each one
- Press leaves and make a labeled leaf page
- Read definition cards
Control of error
The puzzle pieces fit only in their own space; control cards show each part with its label.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names the parts on a real leaf
- Completes the leaf puzzle
- Matches three-part cards