Fall is the perfect time to slow down, head outdoors, and discover the beauty of nature’s small wonders. One of our favorite books to read this season is Because of an Acorn by Adam and Lola Schaefer—a gentle story that helps children see how even the smallest seeds can grow into something magnificent.
This simple nature study pairs beautifully with hands-on learning in phonics, counting, fine motor, and art. Here are a few creative ways to explore acorns, trees, and growth with your child this week. These activities are from lessons in our award-winning Nourishing Nature Kindergarten.
It's an engaging kindergarten curriculum that features beauitful nature stories, math, phonics, art, motor skills and more.
Read and Reflect
Book to Read: Because of an Acorn by Adam and Lola Schaefer
After reading, talk with your child about how small seeds can grow into big trees. Discuss the tree’s life cycle—from acorn to sprout to mighty oak—and how every part of nature plays a role in helping things grow.
You might even take a walk to find real acorns and see where new trees might be beginning their journey!
Phonics: The Letter “A”
Help your child make a hands-on connection with the letter A for Acorn.
Activity:
Draw a large letter “A” and let your child fill it in with real acorn caps.
This tactile letter craft reinforces letter recognition while giving little fingers a chance to explore textures found in nature.
Counting Skills: Acorn Numbers
Activity:
Go on a nature walk and gather acorns together. Then, place number cards from 1–10 on a table and have your child count and place the correct number of acorns by each card.
This hands-on approach to counting helps build one-to-one correspondence and number recognition—key early math skills.
Fine Motor Skills: Sorting and Counting
Use those same number cards for an extended activity!
Activity:
Invite your child to sort and count acorns or acorn caps by size (you can also use wooden or felted acorns). The small, precise movements strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while encouraging focused, independent work.
Large Motor Skills: Be a Growing Tree
Let’s bring the story to life!
Activity:
Begin as a tiny acorn by curling up in a pile of blankets (soft “soil”).
Slowly stretch out your arms and legs as roots begin to grow.
Stand up tall, becoming a sturdy trunk.
Reach your arms high and spread your fingers like branches and leaves blowing in the wind.
This imaginative play builds coordination, body awareness, and helps children feel connected to the rhythms of nature.
Practical Life Skills: Make Acorn Treats
Make yummy acorn themed snacks.
Activity:
Follow the instructions below to make yummy acorn treats.
Art Skills: Acorn Handprint Craft
You’ll need:
Two shades of brown paint
Paper or canvas
Activity:
Have your child make a handprint using light brown paint for the acorn’s body. Keep fingers together to shape the oval of an acorn. Then, use the darker brown paint to add the acorn cap on top. Once dry, label it “A is for Acorn” and display their artwork proudly!
🍂 Closing Thoughts
Through these simple acorn activities, your child will explore literacy, math, art, and movement—all while learning about growth and the wonder of creation.
By connecting books like Because of an Acorn with real-life experiences, you’re nurturing not just academic skills but also curiosity, observation, and a love for the natural world.
So grab a basket, head outdoors, and see how many tiny acorns you can find—and imagine all the mighty trees they might become.
Purchase Nourishing Nature Kindergarten Here
How to Make Acorn Treats
Ingredients:
Chocolate kisses
Mini peanut butter sandwich cookies
Peanut butter chips
Instructions:
Unwrap the chocolate kisses.
Melt a few peanut butter chips in a small bowl (this will be your “glue”).
Attach a chocolate kiss to the bottom of each cookie using a dab of melted peanut butter chip. Let it set.
Add the stem: Use a tiny bit more melted peanut butter chip to stick one peanut butter chip on top of the cookie.
Cool until firm, then enjoy your adorable, bite-sized acorn treats!
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