Hello Fall! 5 Fall Crafts for Your Childcare Center
Fall is the perfect time to bring a little seasonal creativity into the classroom. With colorful leaves, pumpkins, apples, and plenty of autumn inspiration, there are countless ways to turn the season into hands-on fun for little learners.
Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day activity or a new way to decorate your classroom, these five simple fall crafts are a fun way to get children creating, exploring, and celebrating the season.
1. Leaf Rubbings
Supplies:
- Fallen leaves
- Paper
- Crayons (preferably with paper removed)
Instructions:
- Collect your leaves: Find leaves in different shapes and sizes. Flatter leaves work best.
- Place a leaf under paper: Lay the leaf vein-side up and place a sheet of paper on top.
- Grab a crayon: Remove the wrapper and hold the crayon on its side.
- Rub over the leaf: Gently color back and forth until the leaf’s shape and details appear.
2. Apple Stamp Painting
Supplies:
- Apples cut in half
- Washable paint
- Paper
- Plate or tray
Instructions:
- Prep your apples: Cut apples in half to create your stamps.
- Add some paint.: Pour washable fall-colored paint onto shallow plates or trays.
- Dip and stamp: Dip the cut side of the apple into the paint and press it onto paper.
- Let it dry: Set your apple artwork aside to dry.
3. Paper Plate Jack-o'-Lanterns
Supplies:
- Paper plates
- Washable orange paint
- Paintbrushes
- Green and black construction paper
- Child-safe glue
Instructions:
- Paint your plate: Cover a paper plate with washable orange paint and let it dry.
- Create the face: Cut out eyes, a nose and a silly or spooky mouth from black construction paper.
- Make a stem: Cut a stem and leaf from green construction paper.
- Glue it together: Attach the face, stem and leaf to your plate.
4. Leaf Picture Collage
Supplies:
- Paper
- Fallen leaves
- Child-safe glue
- Markers
Instructions:
- Collect your leaves: Gather leaves in different shapes, sizes and colors.
- Plan your picture.: Arrange the leaves on paper to create an animal, person, tree or anything you imagine!
- Glue them down: Once you’re happy with your design, use child-safe glue to secure each leaf.
- Add the details: Use markers to draw faces, legs, backgrounds or other fun details.
5. Tissue Paper Fall Tree
Supplies:
- Brown construction paper
- White paper
- Fall-colored tissue paper
- Child-safe glue
- Child-safe scissors
Instructions:
- Make your tree: Cut a trunk and branches from brown construction paper and glue them onto your paper.
- Create the leaves: Tear or cut tissue paper into small pieces.
- Crumple them up: Have little ones gently crumple each piece into a small ball.
- Add the fall colors: Glue the tissue paper pieces around the branches to create colorful fall leaves and let dry.
A little creativity can make the season even more memorable for the children in your care. Whether you’re decorating the classroom or simply looking for a fun fall activity, these crafts are an easy way to celebrate the season together.
Gather your supplies, embrace the mess, and let the fall fun begin!