With the falling of leaves, it is officially our favorite season: Fall!
Autumnal excitement is hardly unique nowadays seeing filled with Instagram pictures of pumpkin patches, lattes, apples, fallen leaves, and the like. But despite the elements that might feel overdone, Fall presents some unique opportunities for learning and family bonding. Here are some suggestions of a few ways to make the most of the best and shortest season.
Baking
I know, this one probably doesn’t feel new or revolutionary, and if you’re not a particularly good baker it might feel like a mockery. But, no, you don’t have to try to emulate your favorite social media baker. You don’t even truly have to bake! Preparing pancakes, waffles, or mugcakes can help foster the same skills. Baking is all math and science. Want to help your kids get a jump on fractions? Bake with them. Want to explore the difference between weight and volume? Bake. What about basic chemical reactions? That’s right, baking. You can bring in some extra learning by doubling recipes or cutting them in half and having your kids do the math with you. Having the tangible tools for all the measurements will make some of these challenging concepts concrete very early on!
Explore a Farmer’s Market
Many Farmer’s Markets have a particularly good bounty in Autumn! So many things are growing and available that aren’t just delicious, but look exciting too. Kids are notorious for being picky. Browsing the produce at your local farmer’s market and letting your child select a new vegetable or fruit to try could help spark their interest in a new food. Some local farmers market in our area includes, Swarthmore Farmers Market and Media Farmers Market. So go check them out and see all the fall goodies they offer.
Enjoy Family Fitness
This could take so many forms! Long walks might feel much more manageable now that things have cooled off. Are you a family that likes to run? In the cooler weather there are a plethora of kid friendly races for you to do together. Maybe you’re more into flag football? Well, it’s the perfect season for that too! With the respite from the heat before things get too cold it’s the perfect time to enjoy those outdoor activities.
Observe the Environment
Exploring your environment could look like jumping in piles of leaves, or it could be something specific to your local area. Go out there and observe what’s different from summer: the plants, the trees, the sunlight, the clouds. How does the air smell? Does the ground feel different? In some areas it will be a perfect time to plant things to bloom in the spring. Fostering this curiosity about the environment early will help your child take care of the planet as they grow.
There are so many more ways to enjoy this season as well! Get outside and make the most of the dwindling daylight
At Rising Stride Child Care Centers, we encourage all of our children to learn and grow through play. Schedule a tour of our child care center and contact us with any questions you may have! Be sure to enjoy some fall projects with your kids whenever you have the chance.