Using theme based learning helps students to generalize learning across curriculum. It also promotes interest because the lessons are relevant and relatable. Here are a few fun, educational activities and ideas for all that touch on some important developmental goals.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins can be used to count, measure, weigh, decorate, and read about in stories.
The Littlest Pumpkin
The Littlest Pumpkin is a favorite amongst young learners and teachers.
Available through APH (American Printing House for the Blind) and eligible for Federal Quota. Novel Effect also has sounds to go with your storytelling.
Five Little Pumpkins
Five Little Pumpkins is a great song/poem promoting counting and rhyming.
Here is a lesson idea for Five Little Pumpkins for students that include several adaptions.
Craft for 5 Little Pumpkins sitting on a gate using popsicle sticks for the gate. Adaptation: instead of using construction paper for the pumpkins, use textured paper.
Using real items is always preferred. You can bring in pumpkins with various shapes and sizes and decorate them for fall.
Trees, Leaves, and Apples
As the fall leaves change colors its a perfect time to learn about the cycle of trees.
Four Seasons Tree Craft
Below is a video showing a fun craft idea that teaches about all four seasons.
Adaptation for the tree craft: Make the tree out of thicker paper and use textured items on each season.
For example:
- Spring: Silk flowers
- Winter: Pieces of cotton for snow
- Fall: Pieces of real leaves
- Summer: Pompom balls for apples and leaves
Apple Ideas
Apples can be used for various engaging activities such as:
- Tasting: Taste testing different apples or making your own apple sauce is a fun way to teach ECC.
- Stamping: Cut apples in half and dip them in paint to create an apple collage.
- Math: Fractions, counting, comparing, and graphing are all learning objectives for various grade levels and can be adapted to each student. Putting apples in baskets while counting them, looking to see which basket has more or less apples, and cutting apples into 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 are all ideas.
Leaf Collecting
When autumn leaves are falling, its a wonderful time to go on a nature walk and collect various leaves. Compare and contrast your leaf treasures as a group or create a learning bin to explore the leaves and other fall items. More sensory bin ideas can be found here.
Fall Braille Designs
Enjoy these fun Pumpkin and Scarecrow designs for our braille students.
Microsite for more ideas
