We’ve searched the internet for our favorite Autumn-inspired activities to engage a variety of ages. Here’s our top 5!

1. Nature Portraits 

Bundle up and take the family outdoors to gather a variety of branches, leaves, berries, and other interesting natural textures. Upon return, lay out all the “raw materials” and begin to imagine what each item could be used for… Are these leaves like hair? Does this flower look like an eyeball? Could this fiddlehead fern be used for an ear? 

Encourage each other to see familiar objects in a whole new way, think outside the box, and experiment to make fun Nature Portraits. Option to glue the pieces down, or simply take a photo, then swipe the materials away and start anew.  

Inspired by Sarah Sherman Samuel and Justina Blakeney 

2. Symmetrical Leaf Art 

Collect different types of leaves, aiming for a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Then carefully cut each leaf in half, keeping the center stem intact. Glue or place that half of the leaf down on a paper and spend some time with the children looking closely at the leaf in front of them Children practice focused observational skills pointing out the shape of the edges, curves, and colors of the leaf. From what was observed on that half of the leaf, try to complete the second half using colored pencils, crayons, or markers (you could even use paint with older children too). 

Inspired by The Imagination Tree   https://www.facebook.com/TheImaginationTree 

3. Fall Bean Scoop 

Perfect activity for preschoolers to help develop dexterity, fine motor skills, and introduce early math concepts with different size scoops and spoons. Let kids play with a variety of black and brown colored dry beans, transferring dry goods into different size containers. You’ll need a sensory bin (or large plastic storage bin), variety of cups, measuring spoons, large kitchen spoons like ladles or similar, dry black beans, dry pinto beans, and any other dry beans you want! Pro tip: keep all the ingredients DRY for easy clean up! 😊

Inspired by Days with Grey  

4. Colorful Turkeys!  

We love following along with @montesssoridadsway projects. They’re always on theme and he provides a variety of inspiring Montessori project ideas! This is an especially easy set up for parents (since you might be busy prepping the real turkey, after all). This project is great for developing hand eye coordination, color recognition, and fine motor skills. Kids match the feather colors with coordinating colorful dot stickers! Simply peel and play!  

Inspired by @montessoridadsway 

5. Autumn Leaf Garland 

Kids will be so proud to help contribute to the festive decorations of the season, making their very own autumn leaf garland. Start by collecting a variety of fall leaves, the more colorful the better (just make sure they’re not too crunchy yet!) Use a hole punch to cut out a small hole in each leaf (option to save the little dot cut outs for biodegradable confetti too!) Use a large blunt needle and string/twine to string the leaves creating a beautiful fall garland! Hang it where your child can enjoy seeing their own festive fall décor 😊 

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Inspired by @Montessoriinreallife