Set up a quick and easy fall activity discovery table to learn about the changing season. I love fall! I love every part of fall from the crisp cool air, fresh apples and cider to the many wonderful changes it brings to the leaves and tress! As Liam gets older, it is so much more fun talking about these changes, showing him these changes, and celebrating the awesome season of fall. Fall science and sensory play ideas perfect for young kids!

FALL ACTIVITY DISCOVERY TABLE

FALL DISCOVERY TABLE SET UP

SUPPLIES: 

• Sensory bin with brown rice as the filler
• Artificial and acrylic leaves from the craft store
• Pine cones, pine needles and acorns from the great outdoors
• Mini trees (TOOBs)
• Tweezers
• Divider Tray (we use these for so many things!)
• Books on leaves and Fall
• Magnifying glass and mini mirror for further exploration

SET UP

We have started using smaller sensory bins here lately as they have become more about exploring an early learning concept rather then dumping and filling. You can choose whatever size best fits your needs. I used a simple brown rice for a filler. Please check here for non-food sensory bin fillers if you can not use food items.

I added all the small items to the bin as well as a pair of tweezers for exploring.

I set out a divider tray for counting and sorting from the sensory bin. Seasonal books are perfect for adding a literacy component. A magnifying glass and small mirror provide plenty of opportunities to observe and examine the items.

CHECK OUT: Fall Discovery Bottles

FALL ACTIVITY FOR HANDS ON DISCOVERY

If your child is new to the idea of sensory play or an activity table, model some ideas on how to play and encourage him to join you. Play together until you can comfortably slide back and observe.

• Look through the book together too!

Incorporate math skills with sorting and counting from the sensory bin using the tweezers for fine motor skills practice (just like a scientist would)! 

Observe the items with the magnifying glass.

Talk about reflections.

Ask your child open questions to get him thinking and talking! What do you see, feel, hear? What would happen if? How many are there? What do you think Fall is like? What are your favorite Fall things to do?

Take your child outside to show real leaves changing in nature and talk about what you learned from the book. 

These divider trays are wonderful for sorting and counting! We have used them for a few fun fall projects

CHECK OUT: How An Apple Grows

CHECK OUT: Pumpkin Learning Ideas

There’s nothing like taking a walk outdoors for a quick fall activity and hands-on, real life learning! Getting outside is a great way to engage the senses while exploring the season!

A simple fall activity table for hands-on sensory play and learning! So easy and full of wonderful learning opportunities for your child. Make learning playful and it will be a cinch! This is a great set up for toddler through kindergarten age kids.

PICK A NEW FALL ACTIVITY THIS SEASON!

Make sure to check out all these great fall ideas. Click on photos.