As autumn paints the world in golden hues and crisp breezes, it’s the perfect season to slow down and embrace the wonder of creation with your little ones. A fall preschool nature study invites your children to explore, observe, and delight in the beauty of the natural world—all while developing important early learning skills.
Whether you’re using The Peaceful Preschool Volume 2 or another nature preschool curriculum, these fall-themed activities and lessons will help you create memorable, meaningful learning moments at home.
🍎 Apple Orchard Adventures & Fall Lessons in Nature
One of the best ways to kick off your fall preschool lessons is with an apple-themed week. Visit a local apple orchard and let your preschooler experience the joy of picking fruit straight from the tree.
At home, you can:
Sort and count apples by size or color (math skills).
Make applesauce together (practical life and sensory learning).
Make apple pinch pots from air dry clay (art and fine motor).
While you explore, talk about how apples grow, what trees need to thrive, and how farmers harvest their crops. These natural conversations build vocabulary and foster curiosity.
🍂 Leaf Crafts & Outdoor Exploration
Fall leaves are the perfect inspiration for preschool nature study! Gather leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors for hands-on, creative fun.
Try these simple fall preschool activities:
Leaf rubbings: Place leaves under paper and rub crayons across the top to reveal the patterns.
Fall Table Scape: Arrange leaves, acorns, and pinecones on air dry clay wreaths for beautiful nature arrangements.
Nature walks: Encourage your child to notice how trees change and animals prepare for winter.
Even if your preschooler’s attention span is short, simply setting out a tray of seasonal nature items—like pinecones, seed pods, and leaves—invites sensory play and quiet wonder.
⛵ Walnut Shell Boats & Hands-On Learning
Inspired by the story In 1492 about Christopher Columbus or pilgrim stories like The Story of the Pilgrims by Katharine Ross, we made tiny walnut shell boats complete with toothpick masts and paper sails. This simple craft connects beautifully to early history lessons and gives children a tangible way to understand exploration.
Hands-on activities like this one are the heart of our nature preschool curriculum—they combine creativity, fine motor work, and storytelling in a way that’s both educational and deeply engaging.
🦃 Teach Gratitude & Thanksgiving to Older Children with Playful Pioneers Volume 2
As Thanksgiving approaches, our Playful Pioneers New England Guide adds depth and joy to the season. This literature-based curriculum includes readings, recipes, and projects that bring early American history to life.
From baking cornbread to learning about the Pilgrims, it’s a wonderful complement to your fall nature study, gently connecting history, gratitude, and faith.
🌻 Creating a Gentle Autumn Rhythm
Seasonal learning doesn’t have to feel complicated. It can be as simple as:
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Spending time outdoors each day.
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Reading picture books about apples, leaves, and animals.
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Creating and observing together.
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Using our nature preschool curriculum to guide and inspire exploration.
At The Peaceful Press, we believe that a calm, connected atmosphere helps young children learn best. So, as you plan your fall preschool lessons, remember that the most meaningful learning happens when you slow down, notice beauty, and enjoy the season together.
What Fall Fun Are You Having?
We’d love to see your family’s autumn adventures! Share your photos and tag #thepeacefulpress on Instagram, or join our encouraging private Facebook group available with your curriculum purchase.
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