Engaging the Colors of Fall

It is late September. Here in the Midwest that means that temperatures fluctuate and the weather is inconsistent. What a great time to savor the colors of fall!  Orange, green, yellow, red, and brown all stand out as colors we see more vividly at this time of year. Young children absorb so much through their senses! Make the colors they see, the changes in temperature they feel, and the smells of fall come to life with these engaging activities.

Leaf Rubbing

Collect some leaves during a fall walk. Talk about why the leaves fall from the trees, how they fall, and what colors you see. When you get home, tear off the wrapper of an orange crayon, grab a piece of paper, place one of your leaves under the paper, and rub using the long edge of the crayon--What do you see?  What kind of leaf is this? What is the name of the tree this leaf fell from? 

Extend the activity by looking up the leaf and searching online. You may also go to the library to look up all things fall!

Painting with the Colors of Fall 

During your fall walk you might pick up all kinds of souvenirs! Add sticks, twigs, pine cones, and acorns to your leaf collection. When you return home, place fall color paints in separate, shallow containers. Get a dish or pan with a two-inch rim and place a piece of paper inside. Use your imagination and paint with your souvenirs! With your souvenirs, there is no need for paint brushes. Dip items in the paint--roll the pine cones around, tip the pan from side to side with the acorns inside, use the twigs to paint with brush strokes! Make some beautiful works of art with the colors of fall!

Activities that engage children in the arts while integrating mathematics and science concepts are available in DuPage Children's Museum's (DCM) Creativity Studio daily. Check DCM's calendar to plan your next creative adventure! 

This article also published in Positively Naperville--a local, reader supported, monthly newspaper published in Naperville, Illinois.Positively Naperville has been supported by a great group of local businesses, organically growing four pages at a time since it was first printed issue in September 2001.