I Spy Signs of Fall

The Nature Tot program is for 3 year olds with an adult. Class size is limited to 20 participants. Programs are outside, unless weather does not permit.

Pre-Program Activity

Have children make leaf prints using pressed leaves and ink pads of yellow, orange, green, and brown. Ask children and adults to collect dried leaves for use during craft. Have them crumble them into buckets.

Discussion

There are signs of fall all over. We are wearing jackets and pants at night because the weather is cooler. Many birds and monarch butterflies are flying south were it is warmer so they will be able to find food. Squirrels and chipmunks are gathering nuts to store for a long cold winter.

Story

Read “How Turtle Flew South” story in book Keepers of the Animals by Michael J. Caduto and Joseph Bruchac.

Use puppets to discuss what animals are doing to get ready for winter.

•  Migrate: monarchs, ducks, pelicans, robins
• Hibernate or take long naps: woodchuck hibernates, reptiles, amphibians, insects and woody plants
• Adapt: fox gets a thick coat so it can stay warm in snow
• Die: Herbaceous plants die and leave seeds behind or grow back from their roots underground

Song/Activity

Leaves Are Falling
(Tune: London Bridges)
Leaves are turning red and brown,
(turn your hands like leaves blowing in the breeze)
Red and brown,
Red and brown,
Leaves are turning red and brown
Now they’re falling to the ground
(fall down on the ground)

The Leaves On The Trees Are Falling Down
(Tune: The Wheels on the Bus)
The Leaves On The Trees Are Falling Down Falling Down, Falling Down,
The Leaves On The Trees Are Falling Down
All Around The Town