Autumn Inspired Preschool Activities

 There is something quite lovely and magical when the summer turns to autumn and we put on cozy sweaters and go exploring, or our favorite thing - apple picking!  It is even more magical when exploring and discovering the world through the eyes of a preschooler. We love the vibrancy of the leaves changing colours, the crisp air, nature walks and collecting treasures to use in art activities, sensory bins and nature corners.
There are many amazing books, art activities and resources to use with your child at home. We have chosen one for some seasonal activities to try with your little one.  



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Inspired by the book Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall, illustrations by Shari Halpern.
This story follows two little brothers watching their favorite tree go through the seasons anticipating the autumn when they can play in the fallen leaves.

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Red leaves, yellow leaves, leaves for crunching, leaves for jumping.”​

Children of all ages will enjoy going on a nature walk to collect items to display on a nature table or sensory bin.

To make a Sensory Bin:
       
Look for pine cones, sticks, feathers, leaves, rocks, chestnuts, acorns, walnuts, seed pods, miniature gourds, glass beads in autumn colours, cookie cutters shaped as leaves or apples.
To make a sensory bin (good for the toddlers and preschoolers) start with a flat box or large plastic container. First add a base of corn kernels, rice, sand, lentils, or pasta, then add the things you have collected and finally something to scoop with and small containers to scoop into.

To make a Nature Table:

A Nature Table is a designated spot where a family can display items that are special and unique to the season. There are many different ways to create a nature table. The key is to pick a special spot in your home, a shelf, the top of a cabinet, a large tray in the centre of your table, anywhere that will make a nice display spot. You may already have some seasonal items in your home that you can add or you can go on a family nature walk and collect items to display. Some things to help create a balanced display is to try to have a variety of plant, animal and mineral items.  For example in the autumn we might add a little toy squirrel, an acorn, a sunflower and maybe some opal or topaz, the October and November birth stones.

We hope you enjoy the book and these activities. We would love to hear how it goes, or if you have a favorite book and activities to do with your child at this time of year.