Families are always looking for something to do with their toddlers and preschool age children. Here are four of our fall favorites to find ways to promote developmentally appropriate activities within a child’s and family’s everyday life.
1) Paint with vegetables & fruit
Use an apple slice, corn on the cob, broccoli, or even a potato as a fun painting tool. Dip the item into fall colored paint and press, dab or roll on paper. Children will use fine motor skills while discovering interesting textures and colors.
2) “I See Fall”… scavenger hunt
With your child, make a list of possible things they may find this time of year. This activity can be full of movement opportunities as your family hunts for each item. Reaching for a leaf, bending for a rock or walking down the street will get everyone moving. Visit our Facebook page to find the Scavenger Hunt.
3) Make a mask
Make a Halloween mask! Adults cut a mask out of paper or fabric (use your imagination or templates are available online). Toddlers will be inspired to glue feathers, paper shapes, pipe cleaners, and other craft items to create a fun mask. With the masks on, encourage children to explore pretend play.
4) Do you want to build a SCARECROW?
Using a brown paper bag, colored paper, markers, string, and some leaves. Design your scarecrow using shapes/markers/crayons. Next, ask children to stuff their new scarecrow friend with leaves and finish with a string. During this activity many developmental areas can be encouraged. The staff at Partners in Child Development suggest narrating what you are doing during the activities to expose preverbal children to language.
Enjoy this beautiful season of fall in New England!
If your child is not meeting developmental milestones, learn more about our Early Intervention Services.
Learn more about Woodbridge School, our early child development program for children ages 18 months to five years old.
