Preschool Theme - Autumn

Autumn is filled with so many new things for preschoolers. School is starting up again, the weather is getting colder, and the leaves are changing colors. Help preschoolers experience all of the wonderful things the changing seasons have to offer with this hands-on autumn preschool theme.

Preschool Autumn Circle Time

Talk about the four seasons and what is different about each of them. Ask preschoolers what clothes they wear for each of the different seasons and what activities they do.

Talk about what happens to the leaves when they change colors in the fall. Ask the preschoolers what different colors of leaves they have seen.

Talk about what different kinds of fruits grow on trees. Explain to the preschoolers that different kinds of apples grow on different kinds of trees.

Tell preschoolers that when the leaves on the trees finish changing colors they fall off the tree branches and onto the ground. Ask the preschoolers why they think we rake the leaves up. Pretend to rake leaves up off the ground.

Preschool Autumn Arts and Crafts

Leaf Rubbings – Collect a variety of leaves. Help each preschooler place a piece of paper over a leaf. Using a crayon without paper, turn the crayon on its side and rub it over the paper. Preschoolers will create a copy of the leaf on their paper.

Preschool Autumn Hand Tree
Preschoolers are fascinated by the changing colors of fall leaves. This simple preschool art activity will let preschoolers create their own autumn tree. Preschoolers will strengthen their small motor skills as they trace their hand and practice using safety scissors.

Finger Painting – Finger paint with fall colors such as, brown, orange, and red.

Preschool Autumn Math and Science

Preschool Nature Walk – Give each preschooler a brown paper bag. Go on a nature walk and let the preschoolers collect various items that they find outside, such as, rocks, leaves, small sticks, etc. When you get back from your nature walk let each preschooler share what they found. Let preschoolers glue a few items on the outside of their back to decorate. Store larger items inside the bag.

Fall Counting Cards - Print out cards (on cardstock) labeled with the numbers 1-10. Place craft leaves, nuts, or something else fall related on a table and have the children practice counting out the right amount of items.

Preschool Science Activity - Why Do Leaves Change Colors?
To preschoolers, the changing colors of fall leaves may seem like something close to magic. This simple science lesson will help preschoolers to understand the process that leaves go through in the fall when they begin to change colors and what plants need to live and grow.

Preschool Autumn Music and Movement

Leaves on the Tree (tune of "Wheels of the Bus")  
The leaves on the trees turn orange and brown. . .orange and brown. .. .orange and brown 
The leaves on the trees turn orange and brown, all over town. 
The leaves on the trees come tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down 
The leaves on the trees coming tumbling down, all over town.
The leaves on the ground go swish, swish, swish. .. swish, swish, swish.. . .Swish, swish, swish 
The leaves on the ground go swish, swish, swish, all over town.

The Leaves are Falling Down
("the farmer in the dell") 
The leaves are falling down 
The leaves are falling down 
Red, yellow, green and brown 
The leaves are falling down

Preschool Autumn Pretend Play

Add preschooler sized rakes and foam leaves to your pretend play area. Let preschoolers pretend to rake up the leaves.

Preschool Autumn Language and Reading

---

Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.