The temperatures are dropping, and leaves are turning vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s the perfect time to bring the beauty of fall into your classroom! These hands-on and heartwarming activities are designed to keep students learning, engaged, and smiling all season long.

1. Harvest Math Fun

   • Pumpkin Metrics: Measuring Size, Weight, and Circumference
     Bring in pumpkins of different sizes and types. Let students measure their height, circumference, and weight using rulers, tape measures, and scales. Adjust for older students by having them graph the results or estimate seed counts based on size.
   • Leaf It to the Math: Creating Fall Tessellations
     Combine geometry with art through a fall-themed tessellation drawing. Students design a single fall-themed template, then repeat it across a sheet of paper to create a colorful tiled pattern. It’s a hands-on way to visualize symmetry, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition—all while celebrating the colors and shapes of the season.
     👉Check out Abeka’s detailed tutorial here.

2. Language Arts through Autumn

   • Cozy Up: Fall-Themed Reading Nook
     Set up a fall-themed reading corner with seasonal books and soft blankets. Stock the corner with books that celebrate fall themes—changing seasons, gratitude, or cozy adventures. Invite students to read independently or with a buddy.
   • Harvesting Words: Exploring Change Through Poetry and Prose
     Challenge your students to write original short stories or poems centered on autumn themes—change, transition, or harvest metaphors. Encourage them to experiment with literary devices like imagery, symbolism, and mood to deepen their writing skills.

3. Science in the Season

   • Tree Detective: Identify & Classify Native Leaves
     Provide students with field guides or apps to identify local tree species by their leaves. Have them collect samples, then classify and document their findings in science journals. This hands-on activity helps students sharpen their awareness while discovering just how much variety God has placed in creation.
   • Pumpkin Power: Create a Circuit with Fall Produce
     Who says pumpkins are just for carving? With a simple battery kit and a few wires students can test pumpkins (and other fall produce!) to explore how chemical energy becomes electricity. Try butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even apples—and see which fall favorite generates the most power!
     Bonus Tip: The Potato Battery Science Kit makes this activity easy to set up!

4. Hands-On Arts & Crafts

   • Leaf Lantern Magic: Hands-On Lantern Creations
     Create leaf lanterns using real leaves, tissue paper, and a balloon mold. This craft not only highlights the colors of the season but also makes a lovely addition to your classroom décor. To tie it into a gratitude theme, students can write a word of thanks or a meaningful message on a paper leaf and place it inside their finished lantern.
     👉Get full instructions here.
   • Painted Leaves: A Colorful Fall Twist
     Give students a chance to express their creativity by turning real leaves into mini masterpieces! This simple, hands-on craft celebrates the season’s colors and makes for a beautiful classroom display.
     👉See Abeka’s step-by-step guide here.

5. Gratitude & Giving

   • Gratitude Tree
     Create a classroom tree from construction paper or bulletin board material. Each student writes something he is thankful for on a paper leaf and adds it to the tree. Watch it grow throughout the season as a living reminder of gratitude.
   • Daily Gratitude Moments: Write It, Share It
     Create a rhythm of thankfulness in your classroom by setting aside a few minutes for reflection. Students can start with gratitude journals, jotting down three things they’re thankful for. Then, invite volunteers to share one reflection in a quick gratitude circle. These small moments help build a supportive and mindful classroom community.

Fall is a beautiful reminder that God brings change and growth in every season. Let your lessons reflect His creativity—from pumpkin math to gratitude journals. These fall activities help students stay curious, connected, and inspired all season long.