Fall brings many natural activities for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) opportunities for children and families! Taking a nature walk and talking about the changing colors of the season is one of my favorite conversations to have with my little ones. Leaf peeping in different areas of our state, nature hikes, even using fallen leaves, pinecones and pine needles as a “paintbrush” to make marks in art incorporates STEAM learning!
Fall also brings inside activities that can be used as STEAM opportunities. When children cook or bake, they’re implementing math (measuring) and science (using heat, how ingredients change forms). Building a cozy blanket fort takes some engineering skills! Arts and crafts like leaf rubbing and pumpkin painting, sensory play with sensory bins or scented playdough, and nature-based activities like collecting leaves to sort or making nature bracelets are great activities for many ages. Other ideas include simple math and science games, building with fall materials, and creating themed decorations.
What are some things your family likes to do together during the fall season?
Conversations can happen naturally while exploring and playing together. Ask children open-ended questions like “I notice...” and “I wonder...” and encourage children to explain their thinking process. This is a great early literacy best practice as they narrate.
Taking opportunities to encourage children to read, write, sing, talk and play are also great ways to enhance children’s learning. When you sing with your child, they hear the rhythm and sounds of oral language. When you scribble and write, children learn that text has meaning. When you read to your child and eventually when the child reads with you, they hear a confident reader and are more motivated to continue to read what they enjoy, eventually, by themselves as an independent reader. Looking for more resources about reading best practices? Check out CLEL, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy, opens a new window!
Looking for books about fall colors and things that happen when the seasons change? Check out this book list!
Explore some fall season STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) books with the whole family!
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