474 Home Natttrf.-Study Course. 



Observations. — If possible, make the observations on leaves that are 

 still on the plant. A window plant may answer ; but it is better to have 

 the first observations made in the open. Do leaves have any relation to 

 light ? Are they borne near the ends of the twigs ? Where do you find the 

 biggest leaves? Are the stalks all of equal length? Why? In the 

 window note how the leaves turn towards the light. Do the leaves change 

 color where there is little light? 



After the study of leaves in the fall comes the effect of frost on 

 vegetation and the pupils should discover for themselves that when the 

 plant or tree dies there are no leaves left upon it. This lesson should be 

 taught dn many forms so that the child will realize that leaves are an 

 important part of the life of the plant. 



To relate the work to the life of the tree, competition may be started 

 to see whether any pupil can find two leaves alike upon any tree. This 

 should be done after the leaves have fallen so that the pupils may gather 

 leaves from the ground. This will be the best exercise of all in teaching 

 the children close observation. 



LESSON XLII. 



Purpose.— To lead the pupil to notice differences in color. and form 

 of leaves. 



Material. — Let the children bring to school leaves of all sorts, which 

 have autumn tints. They will be especially interested in picking up the 

 brisfht colored leaves that fall from the roadside trees. 



1. Let them classify the leaves according to color so as to train the 

 eye to discriminate the tints and color values. 



2. Let them classify leaves according to form, selecting those which 

 resemble each other. 



3. Have them tell in what respects they resemble each other, in this 

 way incidentally calling attention to the margins, the veins and the petiole. 



4. Teach the names of the leaves of the most common trees by men- 

 tioning quite incidentally that certain noticeable leaves are the maple or 

 oak or elm, etc. The children will quickly pick up these names by them- 

 selves if thus taught, and the knowledge will help them later on. 



5. Let each child select a leaf of his own choosing and draw it. This 

 may be done by placing the leaf flat on paper and outlining it with pencil, 

 later drawing in the veins, or the drawing may be made with colored 

 crayon freehand. The pupils should be allovv^ed to please themselves in 

 this matter, as it is not a drawing lesson but a lesson to help remember 

 form and color. 



