I love fall. I love the cooler weather (although we’ve had a little extra cool than typical), the beautiful colors, the pumpkins and other fall fruit. It’s the time of year I most enjoy being outside. Perhaps your family does as well.
Children are naturally inquisitive about nature and often will use it in their play. On our playground the children use small stick, stones, sticky balls, leaves, and acorns in a variety of different types of play. It’s an environment rich with possibilities. 
I’ve seen many of our families out for a walk together. That’s fabulous. Next time your family heads out for a walk, you may want to try making it a Nature Walk. This has two benefits; expending energy and the awareness of nature. Simply print out the picture below and check off the items you see on the way. You could take time to compare two of a similar item you see – i.e. a robin and a crow. This encourages your child’s observation skills, attention span, fine motor development and literacy awareness.
In the spring our Red classes will be learning about the 5 senses. In past years they have taken a listening walk.
I love watching them walk around with their clipboards intently listening so they could mark off the different items. Feel free to copy and past the two checklists for your own nature walk.
Aldersgate Preschool 