I have a strong affection for fall, but I wouldn't call it love. In autumn I'm usually too busy mourning the end of summer to fully enjoy the new season. But we've had some gorgeous fall weather here, so I decided to snap out of it and try to cherish all the beautiful things about fall before they're gone. I extended my new attitude toward autumn to the kids in our little co-op preschool, so here are a couple of fun autumn ideas to use in preschool or with little ones at home.
Fall Walk Wreath
Help kids make a beautiful fall wreath using items found during a stroll outside. I was worried about taking 5 preschoolers on a fall walk all by myself, so I did a little prep work with my own kids the day before. We went on a fall walk and gathered leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Then I cut 5.5" wreaths out of thin chipboard (like the stuff that comes in a pack of scrapbooking paper to keep it from getting bent--I always save it).
I spread out all the findings in the middle of the table and let the kids pick what they each wanted on their wreath. Then it was gluing time! I let them use Tacky Glue to glue their pieces on. Then, while they were busy at free time, I added a little hot glue to the heavier items, just to make sure they stayed put. It was so fun to see what they made!
Apple Cut-Outs Snack
For snack time I cut thin slices of apple (about 1/4" thick). Then I broke out my Wilton Harvest Collection mini cookie cutters and let the kids cut shapes out of their apple slices. I was amazed to hear several times, "Can I have more apples?" They couldn't get enough of cutting out the shapes and eating them! This would work for any season--just change the mini cookie cutters. I found mine on sale at Michael's for $1.
Oh, lovely fall, I think we could be friends after all!
Fall Walk Wreath
Help kids make a beautiful fall wreath using items found during a stroll outside. I was worried about taking 5 preschoolers on a fall walk all by myself, so I did a little prep work with my own kids the day before. We went on a fall walk and gathered leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Then I cut 5.5" wreaths out of thin chipboard (like the stuff that comes in a pack of scrapbooking paper to keep it from getting bent--I always save it).
I spread out all the findings in the middle of the table and let the kids pick what they each wanted on their wreath. Then it was gluing time! I let them use Tacky Glue to glue their pieces on. Then, while they were busy at free time, I added a little hot glue to the heavier items, just to make sure they stayed put. It was so fun to see what they made!
Apple Cut-Outs Snack
For snack time I cut thin slices of apple (about 1/4" thick). Then I broke out my Wilton Harvest Collection mini cookie cutters and let the kids cut shapes out of their apple slices. I was amazed to hear several times, "Can I have more apples?" They couldn't get enough of cutting out the shapes and eating them! This would work for any season--just change the mini cookie cutters. I found mine on sale at Michael's for $1.
Oh, lovely fall, I think we could be friends after all!