Fall Craft Activities for Children
Celebrate Autumn in the Classroom With Two Natural Craft Projects
Aug 20, 2009
After getting to know the students, it is time to get out and have some fun! The cool fall weather begs teachers and students to get outdoors. The signs of fall invite children to explore new things. The desire of children to explore, welcomes teachers to introduce new concepts. Use the season to create a learning adventure. Both children's autumn crafts below allow much opporunity for teachers to add science concepts and fun to their classroom. These activities are also wonderful to complete with children at home.
Beginning Student Autumn Activities
Begin the art projects with a nature walk. Discuss the signs of fall with the children. Observe the various colors of leaves, the acorns on the ground, and the squirrels frantically storing for winter. Give each child a bag and allow him or her to pick up leaves, acorns, and other small signs of autumn. Once back into the class, share the items found. Compare the shapes, colors, and sizes of the leaves. Press leaves between newspaper and stack with books. Flat, drier leaves often work better for fall crafts. The leaves should sit overnight in the press.
Creating Fall Squirrel Art
Materials:
- One copy of a squirrel outline for each child (The squirrel should consume as much of the paper as possible)
- Pressed colorful leaves
- One acorn
- Glue
- Directions:
- Students will begin by coloring the squirrel either brown or gray.
Once the squirrel is colored, students will cover the squirrel's tail by gluing leaves onto the paper. It is important to note that students should rub the glue onto the paper, not the leaf, then press the leaf onto the tail. An acorn can then be glued into the hands of the squirrel or near the squirrel's body in the picture. The acorn may need to be attached by the teacher or parent using a hot glue gun.
Fall Leaf Wreath
- Materials:
- Round paper plate (Plastic or glossy is not recommended)
- Glue
- Pressed leaves (colorful look best)
- Other fall objects (optional)
Directions:
Begin by cutting the center out of the paper plates. One plate is needed for each child. Using glue or a glue stick, the child will rub the remaining circle of the outter plate to coat with glue. Place pressed leaves to cover the entire plate. No white should be showing. Leaves may overlap. If desired, use acorns, nuts, or other natural fall objects to accessorize the wreath. A bow made from oranges, reds, browns, or yellows often looks nice at the bottom of the wreath.
Using the features of autumn to combine art and science in the classroom is a great way to gain the interest of students and enhance the educational experience. Using hands-on activities such as the fall squirrel art and fall leaf wreath art are excellent ways to provide students with a learning experience they will remember.
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