Crafts and activities - Autumn
Every month we produce ideas for you to get involved with making and doing fun things with your kids. Not only are these great ways for you to share some quality time together, but, providing it goes well and you’ve not accidentally redecorated the kitchen with poster paint or managed to glue yourself to the table, then you can usually produce some really lovely, new things. These can be great additions for the home, for gifts, or for the children to play with and all have good fun along the way.
An Autumn nature walk
This month’s idea is very seasonal and a perfect excuse for getting the children outdoors to appreciate the changing seasons. A nature walk is the lovely way to spend some quality time with the children, but at the same time they’re learning about their environment and appreciating the changing weather, plants, trees, flowers and animals.
What you’ll need
A pencil
Some paper (A4 would be best)
Crayons
A clipboard (or similar surface to write on)
A carrier bag
What to do
You don't have to be in the middle of a huge forest or in the depths of a woodland to be successful on your autumn nature walk. You can see, hear and smell many wonderful things just in your back garden. Wherever you decide to have your nature walk, just make sure the kids are wearing suitable clothing and don't be afraid of them getting a little muddy, so they can really get involved with the earth and natural surroundings!
When you’ve chosen your location and set out on your path, make sure you’re equipped with the materials outlined above and have a good look at what’s around you:
- Look out for signs of autumn (it could be changing leaves, colder weather or squirrels collecting nuts)
- Collect things that you find on the floor such as seeds, acorns, leaves and pine cones (these can later be taken back home and made into a lovely autumn display or picture)
- Using the coloured crayons, lean against a tree bark with the paper and rub the crayon over the paper to make a coloured impression. You can also do this with leaves and sticks that you may find. Label the pictures so you can tell which trees they have come from.
- With another piece of paper design a list (similar to the one below) and note all of the things you see, hear and smell when on your walk. This is a great way to encourage children to be observant and recognise things in nature.
Things I see
- ...
- ...
- ...
Things I hear
- ...
- ...
- ...
Things I smell
- ...
- ...
- ...
Last Updated: October 01, 2008