Welcome to Autumn Fun for Preschoolers
Autumn is a beautiful season full of bright colors, cooler days, and crunchy leaves on the ground. At Kia Mena Montessori, we think fall is a perfect time for preschoolers to learn while having fun. There are so many things to explore and enjoy, both inside and outside!
In this post, you’ll find fun fall activities that help kids learn in exciting ways. These hands-on ideas are great for home or in the classroom. Let’s look at some fun adventures your preschooler can try during the autumn season!
Outdoor Fall Activities for Preschoolers
1. Take a Nature Walk
Walking outside is a great way for kids to learn about the world around them. You can:
- Find and collect: Go on a treasure hunt for leaves, sticks, and acorns.
- Look at trees: Talk about the different types of trees and their leaves.
- Look for animals: Watch for squirrels or birds and chat about what they do in fall.
To learn more about nature walks, visit National Wildlife Federation.
2. Make Leaf Art
Leaves are great for making art! Try these fun ideas:
- Leaf rubbings: Put a leaf under paper, then rub a crayon over it to see the lines.
- Leaf crafts: Glue leaves onto paper to make pictures or hang them as art.
- Pressed leaves: Gently press leaves in a book to save them for future crafts!
3. Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Going to a pumpkin patch is exciting and educational. While there, kids can:
- Learn how pumpkins grow: Talk about the life of a pumpkin from seed to fruit.
- Enjoy fun activities: Take a hayride, walk through a corn maze, or pick your own pumpkin.
- Decorate pumpkins: Paint or carve a pumpkin together at home.
Discover more about pumpkin picking at Farmers’ Almanac.
4. Go on a Fall Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to explore. You can:
- Make a fall list: Look for orange leaves, pinecones, and pumpkins.
- Look for animals and bugs: Try spotting different birds or squirrels.
- Bring tools: Use a magnifying glass or binoculars to look closer.
5. Try Bird Watching
Birds are fun to watch in the fall! Help kids learn by:
- Making bird feeders: Use pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed.
- Looking for birds: Try to spot birds like robins or blue jays.
- Start a bird log: Draw or write about what they see in a journal.
Learn more about birds and their habits at Audubon.
Indoor Fall Activities for Preschoolers
1. Read Autumn Books
Reading together is cozy and fun in the fall. Some great books include:
- Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
- Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Use props like toy animals or leaves to make storytime extra fun!
2. Create Autumn Sensory Bins
Kids love to touch and explore. Make a sensory bin filled with:
- Dried corn, popcorn, and small gourds
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
- Pinecones, feathers, and mini pumpkins
Read about more sensory play ideas on NAEYC.
3. Cook and Bake Together
Cooking teaches kids about food and helps with measuring too. Fun recipes include:
- Making applesauce
- Baking simple pumpkin muffins
Talk about fruits and vegetables that grow in the fall when grocery shopping together!
4. Make Art and Crafts
Let kids get creative with easy projects like:
- Handprint turkeys
- Fall scenes using paper plates
- Stamping with cut apples or pumpkins
5. Sing and Move to Music
Let’s get moving while having fun!
- Sing fall songs about leaves and cold weather
- Dance like falling leaves or birds flying south
- Make instruments from cans or dry beans
How These Activities Help Kids Learn
1. Learn About Science
Fall is a great time to talk about:
- Why leaves change color
- How some animals get ready for winter
- What happens to the weather in fall
2. Practice Math Skills
Use items from nature to help kids with math:
- Count leaves or rocks
- Sort items by size or color
- Compare things like pumpkin sizes
Find more early math tips on Zero to Three.
3. Build Language and Vocabulary
Talk about new words like:
- Harvest
- Hibernation
- Migration
Make a word wall or help kids tell stories about what they see and do in fall.
Helpful Tips for Parents and Teachers
- Balance fun and learning: Mix playtime with learning to keep kids happy and curious.
- Encourage questions: Let kids wonder and ask about the world around them.
- Stay safe: Always supervise outdoor play and use kid-friendly tools during crafts or cooking.
Enjoy the Magic of Fall
Fall is full of color, sound, and change. At Kia Mena Montessori, we love helping children enjoy this special season with fun activities that teach while they play. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, these fall ideas will help your child learn, grow, and make happy memories.
Ready to learn more about Montessori education and how your child can grow with us? Visit Kia Mena Montessori today!
