In the fall, the temperatures cool, the days get shorter, and — best of all — the leaves change from a lush green to warm, rich red and orange hues.
Most children cannot resist gathering up those brightly colored leaves to bring home. And who doesn’t enjoy being outside in that fresh, crisp air? It’s the perfect time to enjoy being outside with your family.
Here are some activities that your family can do to turn fall into a fun learning experience — while spending quality time together.
Do some science
What kid hasn’t asked why leaves change colors?
Well, here’s the perfect chance to answer that question with some cool fall science: It’s photosynthesis, and it gives the plant food and us oxygen. The color you see in the fall is actually the leaf’s true color. Chlorophyll fills the leaves during the spring and summer, providing the food the leaves need — and the lush green color. When autumn arrives and the leaves start to die, they separate from the tree a little at a time. This cuts off their food and the chlorophyll no longer floods the leaves.
Teach your kids about the trees they see everyday.
Visit your library to find pictures of different trees and their leaves. Then, walk around your neighborhood and see which trees you can find. When you find a leaf on the ground, bring it home and start a leaf collection.
If you live near fields and like to take walks, take a “fall sock walk.”
Be sure and take a tree guide with you to help identify the trees you pass by.
Have an snack
When you come back from your walk, enjoy some apple cider and cookies. Make a fall salad by adding sliced apples and walnuts to your favorite leafy green salad. Or, go apple picking and make homemade applesauce.
Take a sock walk
You will need wool pants, long wool socks, or something made of similar fabric; a field, forest or empty lot.
Dress for the weather and put your pant legs inside your socks. Walk all around and try to identify trees, birds or interesting plants. Let your legs brush up against as many plants and bushes that you can.
When you get home, take a look at what has stuck to your socks. Carefully pick off each burr, bristle, grass or weed, but watch out for deer ticks. See if you can identify what plant they came from with the help of a plant guide. You might want to draw and label them. Write down what they feel like and where you found them.
If you want to save your collection, glue them into your notebook. Spray paint or dry them. Use your imagination.
Make memories
Make leaf rubbings, or stained-glass leafs to hang in the window. Leaf prints are a wonderful way to preserve the beauty of fall and are nice to frame and hang up.
You can also cut apples in half and make prints. Collect seeds and seed pods, go fishing, or grow a fall garden.
It really won’t matter to your children which activities you choose to do, just as long as you’re spending time with them. And you will be helping them explore the world around them.
What are you waiting for? Go play in some leaves!
