Autumn is a wonderful time of year, filled with crunchy leaves, cool breezes, and harvests of delicious produce. The Adventurous Child believes fall is a perfect season for engaging in outdoor activities that help preschoolers connect with nature and develop a sense of gratitude for the world around them.
One fun fall activity is creating an outdoor classroom that’s perfect for Thanksgiving-themed lessons. This can be as simple as setting up a circle of hay bales and blankets to learn about the history and traditions of the holiday. Or you could create a more elaborate setup with tables, chairs, and a mural of the Pilgrim’s journey to America. Kids can learn about the different foods that grow in the fall, the importance of being thankful for what we have, and the meaning behind different Thanksgiving symbols like pumpkins, corn, and turkeys.
Here are a few more fall activities that you can enjoy with your preschool students:
- Nature walks — Take your students on a nature walk and encourage them to observe the changing leaves, collect acorns, and notice the animals that are preparing for winter. During the walk, talk to your students about the things they’re grateful for and why they appreciate nature.
- Leaf rubbing — Collect a variety of leaves from the ground and use them to create beautiful leaf rubbings. As your students work on their leaves, talk to them about the things they’re thankful for in their lives. There’s so much you can do with leaves!
- Gratitude trees — Create a gratitude tree in your classroom or on the playground. Encourage your students to write down things they’re grateful for on paper leaves and attach them to the tree. This is a great way to foster community and encourage your students to appreciate the good things in their lives.
- Outdoor picnics — Take your students on an outdoor picnic and encourage them to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. During the picnic, ask your students what they’re thankful for and why they appreciate the opportunity to spend time outside.
Natural Playgrounds
One of our favorite fall activities is exploring a naturally-inspired playground that’s made with recycled plastic and natural wood materials. Our equipment is designed to fit seamlessly into a natural setting, giving kids a chance to practice their balance, coordination, and strength in a safe and beautiful environment. As they climb, swing, and slide, they also have a chance to observe the changing colors of the leaves, feel the crispness of the air, and listen to the sounds of birds and animals.
At The Adventurous Child, we’re passionate about promoting early childhood education through preschool outdoor play. That’s why we create outdoor preschool play equipment that’s durable, attractive, and environmentally-friendly. We believe that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn through play, and develop a sense of gratitude for the natural world. So this fall, why not take your preschoolers outside and enjoy all the wonders of the season together?
