Fall Activities for Infants and Toddlers

Here are a few ideas for some fall activities:

1) Nature Walk

Point out different colours and items throughout the walk. Stop at various points so the children have an opportunity to look around and listen to what the educators are saying. Also, to engage children in the experience, they can collect/hold some items throughout the walk such as acorns or leaves.

2) Sensory Bins

Children love playing in sensory bins! Some items to put into a "fall" inspired sensory bin are:
-leaves (real or fake)
-acorns
-coloured pasta or rice
-fake apples, corn, squash or pumpkins
-Indian corn
-pieces of hay
-blocks, measuring cups or spoons, small bowls, cups
-materials that are associated with the theme of the week such as farm animals, trucks, cars, etc.

3) Painting with Pumpkins

This activity can be implemented using real pumpkins and paint or a outline of a pumpkin on paper along with red, orange, yellow or brown paint.

4) Stickers on Pumpkins

I have tried this experience and infants/toddlers LOVE it. Place pumpkins with several different stickers and have children decorate the pumpkin using the stickers (with assistance if needed).

5) Discovery Bottles and Shakers

This age group loves experiences that involves music and noise. The items outlined under the sensory bin can also be used for this experience. Here are a few more ideas:
-corn kernals
-beans
-pom poms
-pumpkin seeds
-water, gel, oil
-buttons
-glitter
-sticks

6) Painting with/on Leaves
This activity can be conducted either by having the children paint WITH different leaves like a paintbrush or actually painting ON the leaves.

7) Sensory Bags

These are my all time fav! Sensory bags are so versatile and is a great way to be creative and provide a great learning experience for children. Items mentioned earlier can all be used to create these bags. Just keep in mind to secure the bags so they do not leak. Heavy duty tape is always a great idea :)

Remember, these are just some ideas. You can change up, add or remove whatever you would like. Have fun and BE CREATIVE! :)

“Free the child’s potential, and you transform him into the world”

-Maria Montessori