Have you ever seen those sticky wall activities? Well, I’ve used that idea to create this Toilet Roll Sticky Tree, this is a fun and easy fine motor activity for kids. Toddlers and preschoolers will have so much fun making this beautiful fall tree with just a few simple craft supplies.
Let your kids create their own fall tree over and over again with this easy toilet roll activity. It’s a fantastic fine motor activity for toddlers, preschool or kindergarten.
If you want to make your Fall themed lessons a breeze, then check out the Fall Activity Pack. It’s filled with math and literacy centers, fine motor activities and arts and crafts templates. All of which are aligned with preschool learning standards. Check it out today.
Disclosure: Adult supervision is required for all activities at all times. Some of the links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.
More Fall Themed Fine Motor Play Ideas
There are so many different ways to help little hands get stronger during the Fall months. Try some of these other fun ideas to help toddlers and preschoolers develop their fine motor skills this Autumn.
- Playdough hedgehog
- Playdough Pumpkins
- Free Fall Playdough Mats
- Fall Fine Motor Mats
- Fall Acorn Math – Sticky Wall Activity
For more ideas, take a look at these 15 Fall Fine Motor Activities for Kids.
Materials Needed
- Cardboard Tube
- Scissors
- Sticky Tape
- Craft Leaves
How to Make a Toilet Roll Sticky Tree Activity
1. Take your cardboard tube or toilet roll and make several cuts along the length of the tube.
These cuts will be about one-third of the total length of the tube and will go all the way around the tube. If you want to get your kids involved in this step of the project, draw line around the tube with a permanent marker for them to follow while they’re cutting.
2. Spread out these pieces, which will be your trees branches.
3. Use sticky tape, and wrap it around each branch. (Make sure to wrap it with the sticky side facing up.)
This step can take a long time and be a bit tricky for some. In hindsight, I think that using glue dots, or a double sided adhesive tape dispenser instead would have been much easier.
4. Lastly, let your kids stick the fake leaves onto the now sticky branches.
I found this part easier if the branches were pointing in different directions. Let some of them point straight up, while others are more down. The tree will be more lifelike, and your kids won’t be frustrated having everything too close together.
If you prefer, you can also try this activity with real leaves. Just head outside for a leaf hunt and get your kids to help you collect a variety of different colors for this fun activity.
What You’re Learning
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills refer to the small muscles in the hand and fingers. Developing these skills are important in being able to write when the kids go to school, as well as being able to complete tasks independently. (For example, dressing and feeding themselves).
Picking up the the Fall leaves, and sticking them onto the sticky fall tree is going to help young kids develop:
- Pincer grip and/or tripod grip
- Hand-eye coordination
- Dexterity.
Science
This is the perfect time to talk to your kids about why real leaves change color in the fall. Talk about what happens to other types of nature during the Fall season and what changes your young children can expect to see.
Are you going to try this Toilet Roll Sticky Tree with your kids?
Don’t forget to Pin the idea for later.
87 Pages of Fall themed play based learning activities. Perfect for preschool and kindergarteners.
