Transitioning from Apples to Autumn: A Sensory Adventure for Kids

As the seasons change, so do our activities at Little Squirrels. I am excited to share that we’re transitioning from our late summer apple-themed unit to a brand-new autumn-themed sensory experience. With the last of our apples gone from the tree, it’s time to welcome fall in all its colorful glory!

Exploring Fall-Themed Children's Books.

Alongside our exciting new activities, we’ll be diving into some wonderful fall-themed children’s books that capture the magic of the season. Stories like The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson, and Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson will help bring the sights, sounds, and colors of autumn to life for the children. For the older kiddos who are ready, we will be introducing a few Autumn themed emergent readers so watch for this coming home. The emergent readers help young kids recognize that letters combined make words, and through repetition these words can be recognized and memorized. These books are perfect for sparking imagination and encouraging a love for reading, as well as reinforcing the seasonal changes we’re experiencing during our outdoor adventures. We’ll be reading many more autumn-themed stories that tie into our activities and songs, creating a rich, well-rounded learning experience for the kids.

Parents, feel free to check these books out at home and enjoy the fall fun with your little ones!

New Sensory Motor Activity: Leaf Cutting

In our new unit, the kids will embark on a fun and skill-building activity that involves collecting and cutting real autumn leaves! This sensory activity not only connects them to nature but also helps improve fine motor skills. As the children practice their scissor skills by cutting leaves, they'll work on hand-eye coordination and dexterity, through a fully immersed sensory activity that involves site, touch, smell and sound.

The Transformation of Our Apple Tree

Our apple tree, now bare of apples, will soon transform into a beautiful fall tree full of leaves and letters. Just like our alphabet apples, our leaves will each display a letter, creating a playful environment for letter recognition. As the kids take turns hanging the leaves, they will begin learning to identify the first letter of their name, the sound that letter makes, a few letters in their friends' and family members names, and the sound those letters make. This is an exciting step towards early literacy and phonemic awareness!

New Nursery Rhymes and Songs

As we shift into our fall-themed unit, we’ll also be introducing new nursery rhymes and songs to celebrate the season. Moving from our apple-based songs, we’ll now sing along to “Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F7e6tYKYbyo

And

“Five Autumn Leaves Hanging on a Tree.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCMk_wvR4qQ

These engaging songs help develop counting skills (focusing on numbers 1-5) and language skills, all through the joy of music! The kids will be engaging in the songs through dance and fun props that give their busy little bodies something to do while they listen and learn.

We can’t wait for the kids to dive into this vibrant, sensory-filled experience as we embrace all the wonderful things autumn brings. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress and all the fun we’ll have as the leaves change and fall!

Warmly,

Ms Sarah

May the world be filled with beautiful, peaceful little children.