Fall is such a beautiful time of year and there are many opportunities to bring homeschooling outside. This time of year sets the stage for a range of pursuits that can add excitement and depth to learning. Whether you’re venturing through a neighborhood park, your own garden or a nearby woodland area there are ways to weave the charm of fall into your homeschooling schedule.
1. Nature Walks and Leaf Collecting
Gather various leaves with your children to kick off a fun and educational activity. Visit a park or nature area where they can explore tree species through leaf collection. Enhance the experience by bringing along a guidebook or using a plant identification application, for learning.
- Activity Tip: Help your kids create a leaf diary. Press the gathered leaves in wax paper then affix them into a notebook. They can document the tree names and jot down some facts, about each one.
2. Science in the Great Outdoors
Fall is perfect for outdoor science experiments. The natural changes in the environment provide a hands-on learning experience. For example, you can explore why leaves change color and fall off trees.
- Experiment Idea: Conduct a chlorophyll experiment by placing green leaves in rubbing alcohol and observing how the color changes as the chlorophyll breaks down.
3. Math in Nature
Incorporate math into your outdoor adventures. Nature offers a variety of materials that can be used to teach mathematical concepts.
- Activity Tip: Use acorns, pinecones, and rocks for counting, sorting, and creating patterns. Older kids can calculate the height of a tree using basic trigonometry, a measuring tape, and a protractor.
4. Creative Writing and Storytelling
The beauty of fall can serve as a wonderful muse for creative writing. Set up a cozy outdoor spot with blankets and hot cocoa, and let your kids’ imaginations run wild.
- Activity Tip: Have them write a short story or poem inspired by the fall scenery. For younger children, storytelling can be an interactive activity where you all create a story together, each adding a sentence or two.
5. Art Projects with Natural Materials
Fall provides a plethora of natural art supplies. Encourage your children to create art using materials they find outdoors.
- Project Idea: Leaf rubbings, pinecone bird feeders, and acorn art are just a few examples. Collect a variety of leaves, place a sheet of paper over them, and rub a crayon on the paper to reveal the leaf’s texture and shape.
6. History Lessons on Location
Take advantage of historical sites and landmarks in your area. Visiting these places can bring history lessons to life.
- Activity Tip: Plan a field trip to a historical site and have your kids complete a scavenger hunt related to the location’s history. Discuss how the area might have looked in different historical periods, tying it back to their studies.
7. Gardening and Harvesting
Fall is harvest season, making it a perfect time for gardening activities. If you have a garden, involve your kids in harvesting vegetables and preparing the garden for winter.
- Activity Tip: Teach them about the different parts of plants, the lifecycle of the plants they’ve grown, and the science of composting.
8. Bird Watching
Migratory birds are on the move in the fall, making it an ideal time for bird watching. Equip your children with binoculars and a bird guidebook.
- Activity Tip: Create a birdwatching journal where they can record the species they observe, note their characteristics, and maybe even draw pictures.
Here are some of amazon finds that you might find useful this fall: (clicking on the picture will take you to my Amazon Storefront)
FAQs
Q: How can I make sure the outdoor activities are educational?
A: Integrate subjects like science, math, and art into the activities. Use field guides, journals, and experiments to add educational value.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: Have backup indoor activities that reflect the themes of your outdoor plans. For instance, you can do leaf rubbings or create a nature scrapbook with collected items.
Q: How do I keep my children engaged?
A: Mix fun and learning by varying activities and letting them have a say in what they want to do. Hands-on, interactive tasks tend to keep children more engaged.
Autumn is a time, for learning providing numerous chances to enhance your childrens education while making unforgettable memories. So grab your sweaters. Step outside to discover a wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered!
