[Autumn Activities] Nature Play and Craft Ideas for Fall to Incorporate into Childcare!
Autumn is a season full of nature that can be put to good use in childcare.
It’s also a time when we can really feel children’s growth, isn’t it?
As it becomes more comfortable to spend time outdoors, many preschools and kindergartens likely enjoy activities like collecting nuts and gathering fallen leaves.
You want to introduce lots of new activities but can’t find any ideas…
For those with that concern, we’ve gathered recommended nature play and craft ideas for autumn.
Enjoy them together with the children and savor the fruitful season.
The experiences they have at your center will become precious memories for them.
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[Autumn Activities] Fall Nature Play and Craft Ideas to Incorporate into Childcare! (21–30)
Silver grass for moon viewing
Here’s how to make pampas grass, an essential decoration for the night of the Harvest Moon.
Fold the origami paper in half horizontally twice.
Cut off about a quarter of the width with scissors, then open the paper.
Starting from a corner, roll the paper diagonally.
Secure the handle area with tape, and you’re done.
The key is to roll it tightly so there are no gaps.
Pampas grass symbolizes wishes for a good harvest, and its leaves are also believed to ward off evil.
Give it a try and enjoy the autumn atmosphere!
Great for moon viewing! Pampas grass origami
Perfect for the Night of the Thirteenth Moon! Want to make pampas grass with origami? Prepare a 15×7.5 cm sheet of origami paper.
First, fold it in half lengthwise, matching the top and bottom edges—repeat this step three times to make a long, narrow strip.
Next, place the paper vertically, fold it in half top to bottom, and crease well.
Cut a vertical slit along one of the existing fold lines on either the left or right.
Then, take the top of the bundle that’s separated by the slit and fold it 90 degrees to the right.
Open the base to give the ears some dimension, then change the angle and fold the remaining sections diagonally.
Offset the overlapping ears and adjust the shape, and your pampas grass is complete.
Cute, freshly baked sweet potato
Let’s fold an autumn treat—sweet potatoes—using a single sheet of origami paper.
As you fold, be sure to make crisp creases.
By freely adjusting the angles, each person’s sweet potato will have its own unique shape, making it even more fun when you finish.
For the white areas, it’s recommended to add color using crayons or paint.
Fold in the corners to give your sweet potato a plump, rounded shape.
It could be fun to display them on an autumn-themed wall, or put them in a basket or bag and use them for pretend shopping play.
Cute! Horsetail Origami
Let’s make a cute horsetail (tsukushi) using 15×7.5 cm origami paper.
First, place the white side of the paper facing up and fold it into a square by bringing the top and bottom edges together.
Open it once the crease is made, then fold the bottom edge up to meet the crease.
Rotate the paper 90 degrees to the right and turn it over, then fold the top and bottom edges inward to make it into thirds.
Create the hakama (pleated trousers) look by making two step folds (valley–mountain) on the white section, then fold the top and bottom inward toward the center.
At this point, it’s easier if you squash-fold the right corner into a triangle.
Finally, fold all four corners of the brown section inward, and you’re done.
A cute autumn tree made of origami
Let’s make a simple autumn tree using origami.
Prepare two sheets of origami paper and create separate parts for the leaves and the trunk.
For the leaves, fold into triangles and squares, pressing firmly with your fingers to set crisp creases.
Following the creases, fold everything inward as if tucking it inside.
If it’s difficult, have an adult help.
Once you shape the corners into leaf-like points, the leaf section is complete.
For the trunk, fold along the center line to create a three-dimensional shape.
Attach the leaves and trunk together to finish.
It’s also nice to use different paper colors for a more autumnal look.