Hello, teachers! It’s that time of year again when the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the air becomes crisp and cool. Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season to engage your learners in some wonderful activities, explore the magic of autumn through children’s books, and sing along to delightful fall-themed songs. Let’s dive into the world of Fall together!
Activities to Embrace the Fall Season
- Leaf Art: One of the simplest yet most enjoyable fall activities is collecting leaves. Take your kids on a nature walk and gather a variety of leaves. Then, bring them back to the classroom and get creative! Use them to make leaf rubbings or create leaf art by gluing them onto paper to make beautiful collages.
- Pumpkin Decorating: Pumpkin carving might be a bit too intricate for young children, but decorating pumpkins with paint, stickers, or markers is a perfect alternative. Let their imaginations run wild as they transform plain pumpkins into unique works of art.
- Apple Picking: Head to a local orchard for some apple-picking fun. Not only is this a great outdoor activity, but it also offers a chance to teach your kids about where their food comes from. You can use those freshly picked apples to make homemade applesauce in the classroom, too.
- Fall Scavenger Hunt: Create a fall-themed scavenger hunt around the school grounds or a nearby park. Make a list of items like acorns, pinecones, and different-colored leaves for your children to find. It’s an excellent way to keep them engaged with nature.
Children’s Books to Celebrate Fall
- “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert: This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a journey with a leaf-shaped character made from real fall leaves. It’s a creative and imaginative exploration of the changing seasons.
- “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson: Join Fletcher, a sweet little fox, as he tries to save his favorite tree’s leaves from falling. This heartwarming story teaches children about the inevitability of change in a gentle and reassuring way.
- “We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio: While not explicitly about fall, this book encourages empathy and kindness. It’s a perfect choice for discussing the changing seasons and the importance of understanding differences.
- “Apple Farmer Annie” by Monica Wellington: Follow Annie as she goes through the process of harvesting apples and turning them into various delicious products. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the concept of farming and the fall harvest.
Fall-Themed Songs for Kids
- “Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down”: A catchy and simple tune that kids can sing along to while imagining leaves falling from trees. I did this with my music students and we used orange balloons that we hit in the air and had to keep from hitting the ground! We sang as we did this activity, too. “Autumn leaves are falling down, falling down, falling down. Autumn leaves are falling down, don’t let them hit the ground!”
- “Five Little Pumpkins”: This classic rhyme helps kids learn to count and has a fun Halloween twist.
- “The Acorn Song”: Sing about the life cycle of an acorn growing into a mighty oak tree. It’s educational and enjoyable!
- “I’m a Little Scarecrow”: Get your little ones in the Halloween spirit with this adorable scarecrow-themed song.
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, take advantage of this wonderful season to bond with your children through these engaging activities, heartwarming books, and catchy songs. Fall is a time of change, growth, and appreciation for the beauty of nature, and there’s no better way to share these lessons with your learners than through hands-on experiences and storytelling.
Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and ideas to make every season of the year an enriching and enjoyable learning journey for your children. Happy Fall! -Adam
adampetersoneducation.com 