Autumn collages
Each time you go out, ask your child to collect any interesting leaves, conkers, bark or twigs that interest them and store them at home in a box or bag. Once they have a healthy collection in place, set out some paper, glue and craft materials and help them make a collage. This could be one big collective scattering or you could encourage them to build it into the shape of a tree, squirrel or bird. You could add extra materials like colored tissue paper, string and glitter or let them add color to the finished article with paints, crayons and felt tip pens.
Treasure hunt
An autumn treasure hunt is a lovely way for children to have fun, use their imagination and get a healthy dose of fresh air. Set some treasures out in the garden with little clues at each stop or take the fun elsewhere by selecting a nice little spot at the park. Considering their age and level of ability, give clues that will get them thinking about autumn and all of its wonderful attributes or set miniature tasks they can get involved in such as collecting mossy twigs, a black stone or different colored leaves. Take somehot chocolate and chocolate brownies as a treat and reward them with stickers or badges for completing the tasks.
Weather watch
Autumn is one of those adorable interchangeable seasons where we can watch the world around us change color in preparation for winter. There’s a chill in the air (though it’s not yet freezing) and the skies are often blue – a heady mix that can inspire kids and adults alike to enjoy the great outdoors. No doubt your child has already noticed the drop in temperature and the falling leaves everywhere so make the most of their inquisitiveness by talking about the seasons and explaining the changing patterns in weather.
A weather chart is a great way for them to keep track of the changing season and it provides a good opportunity to get creative too. Lay out some card and ask them to design a tab for sunshine, rain, cloud and fair weather. They can use these to mark each day and make a fresh new chart at the end of the month.
