Image by: Jim Sher
Summer is drawing to a close, schools are back in session and we’re reaching that lovely time of year where the leaves start falling. It’s a time for comfort food, lazy Sunday afternoon walks and snugly jumper-wearing, but it’s also a great opportunity to get the kids excited about learning.
Here are three autumnal educational activities, and the skill they’ll help your little ones develop.
History: Guy Fawkes
Kids either love or hate fireworks night, but many don’t know why the 5th November is a key historical holiday.
Teach your kids the true meaning behind the fireworks and bonfire by making your very own Guy Fawkes, and explaining who he was, about the Gunpowder Plot and why we burn the ‘Guy’ on a bonfire every year. Collect up some of your little ones old clothes (avoid anything with metal on it) and stuff with straw, using a small pillowcase for the head and tie everything up with string.
Don’t forget to recite the Guy Fawkes poem:
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot,
We see no reason,
Why the gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot!
Geography: Harvest Giving Map
Image by: Nick
Harvest festivals in schools are traditionally a time of giving, where food, clothing and other essential items are collected for underprivileged people around the world. But do your little ones know where their gifts are going?
Help teach your kids about those who are less fortunate than us by printing off a world map, and showing them which countries their donations are going to and why. Let them draw the causes on the map so they understand why we need to help. For example, if you are sending food to those in war-torn Syria, they could draw a tank; if you are sending toiletries to flooded Bangladesh, they could draw rain clouds for the monsoons.
Biology: Caterpillar to Butterfly
Image by: Aleksandar Cocek
Nature walks are a great way to teach your kids about the seasons and the effect this has on plants and animals. Take a National Trust woodland walk, and collect some fallen leaves and branches while talking through why the leaves fall, and how the foliage makes homes for animals to hibernate in.
Try to find a caterpillar, and take him home in a glass jar. Make a habitat for him in a large plastic container with small air holes poked in the lid, and fill with plenty of fresh leaves for him to much on – you can research his colourings to find out what kind a caterpillar he is and what food he eats. Kids are fascinated by the way a caterpillar makes a chrysalis and morphs into a butterfly, but make sure that lid stays firmly screwed on until your butterfly is ready to release!
Rewards
You can use fallen autumn leaves to customise childrens certificates to highlight your kid’s seasonal achievements – whether that’s rearing a butterfly, or working hard at their schoolwork.
What autumn activities do you like to do with your little one?
Attached Images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Louise Blake is a new mum who is revelling in the change of seasons. She writes for School Stickers about how you can give your little one a great education, even when they’re not in class.