Changing leaves, cooler breezes, and playful pumpkins aren’t just seasonal fun; they’re powerful tools for preschool development. In this blog, we’ll explore how ABC West uses hands-on autumn activities to nurture your child’s curiosity, confidence, and foundational learning skills.
Nature-Based Learning in Pre-K: Why It Matters
At ABC West in West Greeley, we believe that the changing seasons offer natural opportunities for growth and discovery. Autumn provides a multisensory backdrop for learning, from the crunch of leaves underfoot to the scent of cinnamon playdough.
Incorporating nature-based learning into our preschool curriculum supports:
- Sensory development (touching textured leaves, hearing rustling branches)
- Early science skills (observing temperature change, plant cycles)
- Fine motor coordination (sorting, tracing, scooping)
- Literacy and language (seasonal vocabulary, storytelling with nature props)
Top Tip: Nature makes learning concrete and meaningful, especially for curious 4- and 5-year-olds.
Real Activities from ABC West Classrooms
Our fall-themed lessons are rooted in developmentally appropriate practice, using research-backed strategies from trusted organizations like NAEYC and Colorado’s Early Learning Guidelines.
Here are just a few ways our educators bring autumn into the classroom:
Leaf Sorting and Graphing
- Children collect leaves from the playground and sort them by color, size, or shape.
- We then introduce simple graphing concepts using classroom charts, an early math skill that builds pattern recognition.
Pumpkin Math & Science
- Students weigh, measure, and count seeds from pumpkins.
- They observe and record changes during a pumpkin decay experiment, learning about nature’s life cycles.
Fall Sensory Bins
- Using corn kernels, acorns, cinnamon sticks, and dried leaves, we create themed sensory bins to support tactile exploration and language development.
Storytelling with Natural Props
- Teachers guide children in creating fall-themed stories using leaves, sticks, and pinecones as characters, blending literacy and imagination.
These experiences are more than just fun; they prepare children for kindergarten by promoting early literacy, critical thinking, and emotional expression.
Explore our full list of enrichment programs designed to nurture the whole child.
Reinforcing Classroom Learning at Home: Parent Tips for Fall
You don’t need a formal lesson plan to support your child’s learning. Here are a few easy, educator-recommended ways to keep the momentum going at home:
Nature Walk “Treasure Hunt”
Give your child a bag and ask them to collect 3-5 fall items. Then:
- Sort by color or texture
- Use them to create a collage
- Talk about where each item came from
Read Seasonal Books Together
Look for titles like “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert or “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.” Pause to discuss:
- Characters’ feelings
- What might happen next
- Words that describe fall (crunchy, chilly, golden)
Make a DIY “Fall Journal”
Help your child draw or write (with support) about their favorite seasonal experiences, a powerful way to link literacy with real life.
Common Concern: “Is All This Play Really Helping My Child Learn?”
Absolutely. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), play is essential for brain development, social skills, and emotional regulation.
At ABC West, our certified educators thoughtfully plan each activity to build the whole child, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Key Takeaway: Behind every leaf pile or pumpkin scoop is a carefully designed opportunity to grow.
In Summary
Fall is a season of wonder, and at ABC West, we turn that wonder into developmental gains. Our preschoolers don’t just observe nature, they explore it, question it, and connect it to classroom learning in joyful, lasting ways.
Whether it’s counting pumpkin seeds or crafting leaf collages, every moment is an invitation to grow.
Want a Preschool Where the Season Sparks Learning?
Learn more about our programs and discover why ABC West is one of the most trusted preschools in Greeley for nurturing child development in West Greeley.
Located conveniently for families searching for a preschool near me with hands-on enrichment and caring staff.