Autumn (Fall) — What is it?

Autumn is the time when the air gets cooler and the trees change colors. Leaves turn red, orange, yellow and brown and then fall to the ground. It is a fun time to go outside and play!

What you can see, hear and feel

• See: colorful leaves on the trees and on the ground.
• Hear: crunchy leaves when you walk or jump in a pile.
• Feel: cooler wind, need for a light jacket, soft leaves.
• Smell: apples, pumpkin, fresh cool air.

Go on a nature walk — simple steps

1. Hold an adult's hand and put on a jacket.
2. Look for leaves that are bright red, orange, yellow or brown.
3. Pick up a few pretty leaves to look at (dont take too many from one tree).
4. Listen for crunchy sounds under your feet and point them out.
5. Say one thing you like about autumn: a color, a sound, or a smell.

Leaf rubbing craft — step-by-step

Materials: a few leaves, paper, a crayon with paper peeled off on one side or a colored pencil.

1. Put a leaf under the paper with the bumpy side up.
2. Hold the paper still with one hand.
3. Gently rub the crayon on its side over the paper where the leaf is.
4. See the leaf shapes and veins appear on the paper!

Leaf collage — step-by-step

Materials: leaves, glue stick, a piece of paper, safe scissors (adult help).

1. Lay leaves on the paper to make a picture (a tree, a house, or a funny face).
2. When you like the picture, lift one leaf and put glue on the paper.
3. Press the leaf down on the glue. Continue until your picture is full.
4. Let it dry. Show your picture to a grown-up!

Short autumn song

Sing to the tune of a gentle melody:

Leaves go crunching, crunch, crunch,
Leaves go falling, fall, fall,
Autumn winds are here today,
Colors on the trees for all!

Fun game: Color hunt

1. Pick a color word: red, yellow, orange, or brown.
2. Walk and find three things of that color (a leaf, a toy, a hat).
3. Show them and count to three together.

Autumn snack idea

Apple slices make a tasty fall snack. Ask an adult to slice the apple. Try a little cinnamon on top if you like. Always check for allergies and have an adult help.

Safety tips

• Always go outside with an adult.
• Dont put found leaves or plants in your mouth.
• Be careful on wet or slippery leaves.
• Wash hands after crafts.

Have fun exploring autumn! Ask lots of questions and point out the colors and sounds you see. Adults: praise curiosity and help with scissors and small items.