Lesson Plans for the Autumnal Equinox

September 22nd is the Autumnal Equinox! The first day of fall is the perfect opportunity to introduce children to fall related science topics like the differences between seasons and why leaves change color. Fall lesson plans give children the chance to explore new concepts through fun fall activities. Learn Every Day About Seasons is great for parents and teachers looking for ways to celebrate the beginning for fall!
Try out these fall activities you can add to your lesson plan today.

Fall Leaf Prints
Materials:

• Fallen leaves
• Plaster of Paris
• Bowl lids
• Paints and paintbrushes
   

What to Do:

1. Engage the children in a discussion about the fall season. Ask the children to describe the season.
2. Lead the conversation to how, in the fall, leaves change color and then fall from the trees.
3. Show the children the gathered fallen leaves and explain that the children will be making leaf prints.
4. Pour plaster of Paris into individual bowl lids and give each child a leaf. (Alternatively, consider having the children go outside and choose their own fallen leaves to use for this activity.)
5. Show the children how to press their leaves into the plaster of Paris and then gently lif the leaves out and toss them in the trash.
6. When the children’s molds harden, set out paints and brushes and invite the children to paint the molds in fall colors.
    

Leaves Are Falling Down
Materials:

• Real fallen leaves

Preparation:

• Prior to this activity, go outside with the children and have each child choose a fallen leaf to bring inside. Alternatively, consider bringing in store-bought artificial leaves.
   

What to Do:

1. Gather the children together and talk with them about their fallen leaves. Ask the children to identify the leaves’ colors, and to talk about how the leaves feel.
2. Teach the children the following action rhyme:

The Wind is Blowing by Ingelore Mix
The wind is blowing, blowing, (children weave back and forth)
And leaves are falling down.
First fall all the yellows, (children with yellow leaves sit down)
Then red, (children holding red leaves sit down)
And orange, (children holding orange leaves sit down)
And now brown. (children holding brown leaves sit down)

       3. After the children complete the rhyme, invite them to trade leaves with other children and recite the rhyme again.

Good Morning, Seasons!
Materials:

• None

What to Do:

1. Talk with the children about the current season of the year. Ask the children what the season feels like in the morning.
2. Challenge the children to identify each season by describing its weather.
3. Teach the children the following song:

Good Morning, Seasons! By Susan Oldham Hill
(Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)
Good morning, winter! Hello, fall;
Good morning, seasons, one and all.
Good morning, summer! Hello, spring;
Here’s a morning song to sing.
Hello summer, spring, and fall;
Hello, winter; hello, all!

      4. Sing the song with the children in the morning throughout the year.

Author(s)Kathy Charner