As per the Montessori method, we believe in fostering a love of learning through exploration and play. As autumn arrives, bringing with it vibrant colours and crunchy leaves, why not extend the learning fun beyond the nursery walls? Here are some exciting, autumnal children’s home learning activities for young children that incorporate the Montessori principles of hands-on exploration and sensory play.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Turn a walk in the park into an exciting adventure. Create a list of autumn treasures to find, such as colourful leaves (red, yellow, orange), different types of nuts (acorns, conkers) and interesting sticks. Let your child lead the way, collecting their finds in a basket or backpack. Back home, you can sort, discuss and even create beautiful collages with the collected treasures.
Tip: Adapt the difficulty to your child's age. For younger children, focus on finding just a few different objects. For older children, challenge them to find leaves of a specific shape or size.
2. Leaf Rubbings
Introduce children to the concept of texture with this tactile play activity.
Place a beautiful autumn leaf under a piece of paper and gently rub over it with a crayon (be careful not to press too hard!). The raised veins and textures of the leaf will be magically transferred onto the paper. Discuss the different shapes and textures felt while rubbing.
3. Sensory Play with Pumpkins and Gourds
Take advantage of the season's bounty with pumpkins and gourds! Explore the different shapes, sizes and colours with your child. Let them feel the smooth skin of a pumpkin and the bumpy texture of a squash.
For older children, you could even have a go at scooping out the pumpkin seeds and roasting them for a healthy snack! Of course, you could also attempt some pumpkin carving when Halloween nears.
4. Fall Feast Fun
Learning can be delicious! Involve your child in the kitchen as you prepare a seasonal meal together. Let them help you wash and chop vegetables for a hearty stew, or measure ingredients for a warm apple crumble.
You can talk about the colours and textures of the food, let your child refine their motor skills by helping with mixing and even create a simple recipe card together that you can hand out to family and friends.
5. Story Time with Autumn Themes
Reading to your child is always enriching, but consider incorporating books with autumn themes for extra seasonal fun. Look for stories that explore changing leaves, animal hibernation or the joy of harvest celebrations. You can even act out some of the scenes from the book together!
Get in Touch
Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started - the possibilities are endless! Let your child's curiosity guide the way, and embrace the joy of learning together this autumn.
For those times when you have to work, then entrust us to continue supporting your child’s curiosity here at Blue Nest Montessori School. Offering a stimulating and nurturing environment based on the Montessori philosophy, we welcome children aged 18 months to 5 years old. To learn more about our approach to early childhood education, including access to home learning resources, then don't hesitate to get in touch!
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