Who said learning isn’t fun? Certainly not us! As the colors of fall deepen and the air turns crisp, November presents a beautiful time to blend education and entertainment with our “Montessori November Activities for Preschoolers.”
So, teachers, parents, and homeschoolers – buckle up as we embark on a joyful journey of discovery, learning, and growth!
Montessori November Activities for Preschoolers
Practical Life: A Slice of Pumpkin Pie Life
What better way to kick off our exploration than diving into the practicalities of life? It’s high time our little ones got their hands dirty!
- Pumpkin Soup Preparation: Let’s turn the typical pumpkin carving into a hands-on learning experience. Preschoolers can scoop out pumpkin seeds, rinse them, and even help in preparing a simple pumpkin soup. Not only does this teach them about food preparation, but it also bolsters their fine motor skills.
- Leaf Sweeping: With leaves all around, it’s the perfect time for the kids to learn about cleanliness. Equip them with child-sized brooms and let them have a go at sweeping the leaves. They’ll be tickled pink by the simple joy of it!
- Pumpkin Seeds Transfer: Provide pumpkin seeds and have children use tweezers to transfer the seeds from one bowl to another.
- Thanksgiving Gratitude Activity: Encourage children to think about and express what they are thankful for. They can draw pictures or write words on leaves and create a “Thanksgiving tree”.
Learn more about my Montessori Leaf Activities Bundle
Sensorial: Experiencing November Through the Senses
Ah, the delightful sights, sounds, and smells of November! Why not bring these into the Montessori learning experience?
- Nature Walks: Walks in the park are a treat to the senses in November. Encourage children to touch and describe different leaves. Are they rough, smooth, dry, or crunchy?
- Autumn Scent Bottles: Fill small jars with November-related items such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried orange peels. Kids can sniff and describe the scents, stimulating their olfactory senses and vocabulary.
- Corn Kernel Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with dried corn kernels and hide small objects (e.g., mini pumpkins, leaves, acorns, etc.) for children to find.
- Turkey Feather Color Matching: Create a turkey with different colored feathers and have children match and attach the feathers to the turkey.
Math: Counting on Autumn
There’s a myriad of opportunities to teach math, thanks to the abundance of nature during this time of the year.
- Leaf Counting: Gather leaves of different colors and sizes. Kids can sort and count them, learning numbers and classifications along the way.
- Pinecone Counting: Collect pinecones and use them for counting activities or for creating patterns.
- Pumpkin Measurement: Use pumpkins for fun, tactile lessons in size and weight comparison.
Language: Fall for Words
The change in season is a fertile ground for enhancing language skills.
- Autumn Storytelling: From falling leaves to migrating birds, November offers a wealth of stories. Encourage children to create their own fall tales. Try this storytelling in a bag activity!
- Thanksgiving Story Stones: Paint or draw Thanksgiving-themed images on stones (e.g., turkey, pilgrim, Native American, cornucopia, etc.) and have children create their own stories using the stones.
- Leaf Letter Tracing: Collect a handful of leaves and have the kiddos trace the outlines of letters on them. They’ll be learning the alphabet before you know it!
Art: Autumn’s Creative Palette
Let’s tap into the natural creativity of preschoolers with some art!
- Leaf Printing: Dip leaves in paint and press onto paper. The results are nothing short of beautiful, unique leaf prints!
- Pumpkin Drawing: Let the little ones express themselves through drawing pumpkins. The orange hues of November are sure to inspire!
Geography & History: A Journey Back in Time and Across Continents
Lastly, let’s step out of our local bubble and learn about the wider world.
- Native American History: November is Native American Heritage Month. Craft activities such as making beaded necklaces or feather headdresses introduce children to different cultures and histories.
- Thanksgiving Globetrotting: Teach the kiddos about the historical and geographical significance of Thanksgiving, using a globe or map to illustrate the journey the Pilgrims made.
Science: Explore the Cycle of Life
- Pumpkin Life Cycle: Teach children about the life cycle of a pumpkin using real seeds, a small pumpkin, and pictures or models of each stage of growth.
Whew! What a whirlwind of Montessori November Activities for Preschoolers! These activities are more than just fun, they’re building blocks for life. The change of season offers a chance to teach, learn, and grow. As the old saying goes, “From tiny acorns mighty oaks do grow.”
Here’s to raising a generation of mighty oaks! So, are you ready to embrace November with these Montessori activities?