There’s something magical about fall. The air turns crisp, the leaves change to brilliant shades of red and gold, and the world feels full of wonder. For young children, this season provides endless opportunities to explore, discover, and create. At Today’s Kids Childcare, our teachers love using seasonal learning themes to bring learning to life—making November a month full of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on fun.
By connecting classroom lessons to the world outside, children develop a deeper understanding of science, art, and empathy. Through fall learning activities for preschool, we help children observe nature, engage their senses, and express their ideas through play and creativity.
The Harvest: Learning from Nature’s Bounty
November is the perfect time to talk about the harvest—the gathering of crops and the importance of gratitude for the food we enjoy. At Today’s Kids, our teachers use harvest-themed activities to teach children where food comes from and how it grows.
Science and STEM learning come alive through simple, age-appropriate projects such as:
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Seed exploration: Children examine different seeds, predict what they might grow into, and even plant a few to observe sprouting over time.
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Sink or float experiments: Using gourds, apples, and pumpkins, children test which items sink or float and discuss why.
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Counting and sorting: Pumpkins, corn kernels, and leaves become tools for early math practice—comparing sizes, weighing objects, and sorting by color or texture.
These creative classroom ideas for fall encourage problem-solving and critical thinking while connecting children to nature’s rhythms.
Hibernation and Change: Exploring the Science of Seasons
Another rich seasonal theme is hibernation—a fascinating concept that captures children’s curiosity about how animals prepare for winter. Teachers at Today’s Kids Childcare use storytelling, sensory play, and art to help preschoolers understand how animals adapt to the changing seasons.
Some of our favorite preschool STEM and art projects include:
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Building animal dens: Using blocks, leaves, and fabric, children design cozy “homes” for bears or squirrels preparing to sleep through winter.
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Sorting animals by season: Kids learn which animals hibernate, migrate, or stay active during cold months.
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Sensory bins: Filled with pinecones, faux snow, and small animal figures, sensory play invites children to explore textures and reenact animal behaviors.
By integrating science with play, children build observation skills, learn empathy for living creatures, and gain a sense of connection to the world around them.
The Spirit of Giving: Growing Kindness and Gratitude
November is also a season of giving—a time to reflect on kindness and helping others. In early childhood, teaching generosity can begin with small, simple acts. At Today’s Kids, we help children practice gratitude and empathy through shared experiences:
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Making thank-you cards for teachers, family members, or community helpers.
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Creating classroom donation drives, like collecting canned food or gently used books for local families.
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Discussing what it means to help a friend, share toys, or say kind words.
These activities nurture emotional development and align with our emphasis on social-emotional learning. Gratitude and giving become part of the classroom culture, helping children understand the joy of caring for others.
Creativity in Every Color
Fall’s vibrant colors naturally inspire art and self-expression. Teachers use the season’s beauty to guide children in creative projects such as:
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Leaf rubbings and collages to explore textures and shapes.
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Pumpkin painting for color mixing and sensory exploration.
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Nature-inspired art using twigs, acorns, and dried leaves to spark imagination.
Art isn’t just about making something pretty—it’s about building confidence, coordination, and a love of creativity.
Hands-On Learning That Lasts All Season
At Today’s Kids Childcare, fall is more than just a season—it’s a learning adventure. Through fall learning activities for preschool that combine art, science, and social-emotional growth, we help children see that learning happens everywhere. Whether they’re counting pumpkins, crafting leaf prints, or pretending to tuck bears into hibernation, each activity builds curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
As the leaves change, our classrooms transform too—becoming spaces where imagination thrives, friendships grow, and every day feels full of discovery.