National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)’s Post

As the weather gets colder, I love incorporating open-ended art to inspire seasonal learning. For fall, children can create nature collages or use leaves and pinecones for stamping. In winter, snow painting with food coloring and spray bottles or finger-painting on frosted windows provides a creative outlet. These process-focused activities encourage exploration, self-expression, and a deeper connection to the changing seasons.

Just a few all time favorites— -condensation window writing -experiments with states of matter -a global awareness of weather patterns and how seasons actually work -making bird feeders and discussing animal preparation for winter: migration, hibernation, physical adaptations -learning about winter celebrations around the world and especially trying the food that goes with them! -age appropriate volunteering and fostering a love for civic responsibility

Nature collage, leaf hunt game during fall. In winter, making fake snow

We go on fall/winter walks to experience fall/winter first hand for all age groups! We purchased outdoor gear so every child can be warm and cozy on the walks.

Playing with sensory toys indoors. Children don’t realize they are learning. They are having fun!

Always gotta love the pinecone experiment 🌲