Bright leaves crunched underfoot as 13 preschool students, accompanied by six Rotaract club members from William Woods University, collected fall foliage. Only the most colorful, bright leaves would do for some students. Some were completely indiscriminate, scooping up leaves by the double handful. Others went for size.
"I like big stuff," said London Fountain, one of the preschoolers, pointing to her biggest leaf.
On Monday, members of the Rotaract club - a branch of the Rotary Club meant for those 30 and under - came to Fulton Preschool to guide the kids in making leaf wreaths. William Woods is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA, meaning it manages trees and engages students in appreciating nature.
Hope Wallace, one of the William Woods students, was happy to be back at the preschool. "I worked here for the first semester of last year through the work study program," she said. "London remembered me."
Zain McCarter thought what made his wreath beautiful were "All the leaves!"
Red and orange leaves are the best in his opinion.
"This is the first time (the preschool students) have met (the William Woods group)," said teacher Sandy McDaniel. "They're a really good group."
She expressed gratitude that the kids had the opportunity to mingle with the college students and learn about nature.
Make a leaf wreath
1. Help your child gather a healthy double handful of the most beautiful leaves.
2. Cut a circle out of the middle of a paper plate. Discard the circle.
3. Drizzle glue onto what would've been the underside of the plate.
4. Let your child arrange the leaves and press them into place.
5. Leave the wreath to dry, then hang it up for all to admire.