As a mother of two grade-school children, I know first-hand just how hard it can be to keep kids motivated and excited about school--especially as summer break draws to an end. One year, I decided to implement a study routine for my kids throughout the summer, which I found helped them retain the information they learned during the academic year and made for an easier transition back to school in the fall. I've put together this blog to help other parents prepare their children for success in the upcoming school year. I hope this helps your child have his or her best year yet!
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Setting Your Child Up For Academic Success
Fun Ways To Celebrate Autumn At School
Rick Russell
Every teacher wants to engage students in what they're teaching. As the seasons pass throughout the school year, each one is a good opportunity to teach students about all the fascinating things about each season. School is newly back in session in the autumn for many students, and they may be especially open to the lessons it brings. Consider these four ways to celebrate autumn in your classroom, while also teaching students something they're sure to remember.
Assign Group Projects on Fall Leaves
Assign a group project on the topic of fall foliage. Start by teaching students about the different types of trees that are prevalent in your area, particularly focusing on ones whose leaves change colors in the fall.
Divide students into groups, then task each group with finding a certain number of different fallen leaves. If there are trees in a fenced-in area of the school, you may help students look for some of the leaves during your class time. Otherwise, instruct students to search for leaves with their parents after school, then bring them back on a certain date.
Ask Open-Ended Questions About Autumn
One way to get students to do some critically thinking on autumn is to ask open-ended questions and initial an in-depth classroom discussion. Some open-ended questions you may want to ask students include:
- What fall traditions do you enjoy at home?
- Do you enjoy dressing up in costumes for Halloween?
- What do you think are the three best things about fall?
- What part of other seasons would you like to enjoy during the autumn months?
- Which smells do you think are unique to autumn?
- What don't you like about fall?
- What are some of the best carved pumpkins you've ever seen?
Be sure to ask simple follow-up questions when students answer one of the questions. Encourage students to ask their own questions about autumn, too.
Have an Autumn-Themed Craft Time
Most children love doing crafts, and parents love to receive their kids' creations. Having an autumn-themed craft time is an enjoyable way to get kids thinking about the fall. Spend some time in your yard collecting fall leaves, then bring them to your classroom. Next, lead kids in the creation of autumn leave collages.
Alternately, consider making apple wraps with kids. If you choose allergy-friendly ingredients and keep the snack healthy, you may use this project to help kids learn things like fractions and measurements. You may encourage kids to make them to take home if you don't want them eating in the classroom.
Finally, it's a good idea to discuss the inclusion of autumn in your lesson plans with parents. They may want to be involved and continue your classroom discussions at home with their kids. You may send a packet about fall home for kids to look at as part of their homework. Parents may report back that younger or older siblings get in on all the fall fun, too.
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