Colourful leaves can bring so much warmth to a classroom, and they can also be the starting point for meaningful cultural learning.
If you’re planning fall art activities, my Métis dot art resource connects a seasonal leaf project with learning about Métis art. Students explore dot art inspired by Métis beadwork, then create artwork that can stand on its own or become part of a classroom Giving Tree.
As a First Nations educator, I created this resource with help and guidance from a Métis educator.
🍂 Take a peek at the Métis Dot Art resource. 🍂
Start with the Métis Dot Art Lesson
Before beginning the leaf project, use the included lesson and handout to introduce students to Métis dot art and its connection to beadwork.
This cultural context matters. Naming Métis art specifically helps students understand whose artistic traditions they are learning about.
The project uses dots to create an effect inspired by beadwork. Students are making dot artwork while learning about the art form that inspired it.
Keep that connection part of the conversation as students move from the lesson into creating.
Create a Fall Leaf Art Project
The included leaf printables give students a starting point for their artwork. From there, colour and dot patterns bring each leaf to life.
You might invite students to notice the autumn colours outside your classroom before they begin. Reds, oranges and yellows can provide inspiration for their colour choices.
As students work, encourage them to look closely at how individual dots come together to form a larger design. Afterwards, give them time to share a detail they enjoyed creating.
The resource includes an individual student activity, so you can choose a project that fits your classroom plans.
Build a Classroom Giving Tree
For a shared project, bring the leaves together to create a classroom Giving Tree.
Each student contributes their own artwork to the display. The different colours and designs give everyone something to notice, while the tree brings the class’s work together.
Alongside the finished artwork, add a short explanation of what students learned about Métis dot art and its connection to beadwork. Your display can help share the learning with families and others in your school.
Plan Your Métis Dot Art Activity
This resource brings the lesson and creative activities together, with:
- A Métis dot art lesson and handout
- Leaf printables for the Giving Tree project
- An individual student activity
- A class art project
Start with the cultural learning, then choose the individual or shared activity that works for your students. It’s a way to bring Métis learning into your fall plans while creating something your class can share.
🍂 Get the Métis Dot Art lesson and fall project. 🍂
