Ahh, Fall.
That magical time of year between the humid heat of Summer, and brisk freeze of Winter. The season is marked by crisp air, fresh apples, and colorful leaves that both decorate trees and give a delightful "crunch" when stepped upon.
We might not have Pumpkin Spice Lattes here in the PRC, but that's hardly an excuse not to celebrate Fall. It's the perfect time of year to take class outside; teach about fall traditions and the way westerners essentially celebrate the season, with fall clothes (scarf, boot, beanie, etc), activities (picking apples, American football, pumpkin-flavored everything) and the anticipation of fall holidays (Columbus Day, Native American's Day, Yom Kippur, Presidents Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday).
Here's the best collection of Autumn ESL ideas that incorporate kinesthetic and tactile learning.
c/o www.meaningfulmama.com
Leaves
- Paint leaves, make a print. (See the photo above!)
- DIY leaf rubbings. Use oil pastels, crayons, or colored pencils.
c/o www.howelearn.com
- Hang a mobile in your class. Use sticks, acorns, jingle bells and other pieces of nature to decorate the room.
- Have your class contribute to a massive leaf-mane lion. It's great wall decoration for a class or office.
here's the instructions (in French!)
Apples
- Make Bill Nye proud, with this apple volcano. Science rules!
- Count Ten Apples Up on Top, by reading the classic Dr. Seuss book, and drawing on the board. Make it more fun, by having your students color and cut little paper apples.
c/o www.pbs.org
- In fact, apples are great for teaching numbers and counting. Have your students assemble these simple paper apples, and use seeds or buttons for a fun activity.
- Make yarn apples! If you don't have a muffin tin, swap it out for paper cups.
c/o www.handsonaswegrow.com
- If your kids are artistically-challenged, just go apple bowling. You only need 6 water bottles and a few apples.
Animals
- Make a leaf hedgehog!
- A leaf person!
c/o www.petiteandsmall.com
- Paint onto leaves, making bugs, or whatever creature is inspired by the leaves' shapes!
c/o www.petiteandsmall.com
If true S'mores are too much work, make this snack mix. c/o www.cozycountryliving.com
- This mason jar-themed paper will teach your students how to introduce themselves.
- Make a personal or classroom sized campfire! Pro-tip: hide Christmas lights inside so it really glows!
c/o www.aboutfamilycrafts.com
- Here's even more camping-themed activities, from fishing to acrostics.
Worksheets
- Fall Dot painting; this is especially good for younger kids! print and let them at it.
- Pair your apple activities with famous children's book 'The Giving Tree'. Here's the corresponding worksheets.
- Read the Story of the Apple Star.
- Play I Spy!
What fall activities are a smash hit in your classroom? Like, and comment below!
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