Montessori September Activities for Preschoolers

SHARE THIS POST:

As the summer heat gives way to the crispness of autumn, it’s time to bring the magic of September into the Montessori preschool classroom. This September-themed unit provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of fall while engaging young minds in hands-on learning experiences.

Embrace the vibrant colors and transformations of fall with Montessori September activities for preschoolers. Through leaf observations, apple-themed activities, sensory exploration, and engaging harvest-themed projects, children develop their senses, fine motor skills, creativity, and appreciation for nature.

Montessori September activities for preschoolers embrace the colors, scents, and textures of the season. In this post, we will dive into the world of fall-inspired Montessori activities, designed to ignite curiosity, promote independence, and nurture holistic development in your preschoolers.

Preschool September Themes

September is a great month to explore concepts like seasons, weather changes, back-to-school, and fall harvest.

1. Back to School
2. Storytelling and Literacy
3. Seasonal Changes
4. Weather Exploration
5. Leaf Observations
6. Autumn Crafts and Nature-Inspired Art Projects
7. Sensory Exploration of the Season
8. Gardening & Harvesting

Back-to-School

• Set up a pretend classroom at home and encourage your child to play the role of a teacher or student.
• Create a “classroom” area with a small table, chairs, and educational materials like books, puzzles, and art supplies.
• Practice basic school skills like writing letters, counting, and simple math problems using fun and interactive methods.
• Engage the kids in a variety of All About Me questions and worksheets

Storytelling and Literacy

• Read books about autumn, seasons, and back-to-school themes. Encourage your child to retell the story or act it out using props.
• Engage in finger plays, rhymes, or songs related to September and fall.
• Help your child create their own storybook about September using drawings or photographs.

• Collect various types of leaves during nature walks.
• Sort leaves based on their colors, shapes, or sizes.
• Discuss the changes they notice, such as the colors becoming more vibrant or leaves falling from trees.
• Try a leaf-pounding activity

Exploring Nature’s Transformations

Seasonal Changes

• Discuss the transition from summer to fall and the changes in weather, such as cooler temperatures, shorter days, and falling leaves.
• Take nature walks to observe and collect different types of leaves, acorns, or pinecones.
• Create a nature journal to document and draw the changes in the natural surroundings throughout September.

Weather Exploration

• Discuss the different types of weather that occur in September, such as sunny days, rain, or the first signs of autumn storms.
• Create a weather chart together and track the daily weather using symbols or pictures.
• Conduct simple weather experiments like making a rain gauge, creating a tornado in a bottle, or observing how clouds form.

Leaf Observations and Sorting

Engage preschoolers in observing the transformation of leaves during the fall season. Encourage them to:

Autumn Crafts and Nature-Inspired Art Projects

• Engage your child in autumn-themed arts and crafts projects, such as leaf rubbings, apple stamping, or creating handprint trees.
• Make a fall-themed collage using materials like colored paper, dried leaves, and twigs.

Tap into children’s creativity and appreciation for nature through art projects that reflect the beauty of fall. Provide opportunities for:

• Leaf rubbings using crayons or pastels.
• Leaf painting using autumn colors like red, orange, and yellow.
• Collages made from pressed leaves or torn paper in fall hues.

Sensory Exploration of the Season

Scented Playdough

Introduce scented playdough to stimulate the senses and create a multisensory experience. Consider:

• Making homemade playdough using scents like cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin spice.
• Providing tools and materials for children to mold, shape, and explore the playdough.
• Encouraging conversation about the scents and textures as they play.

Sensory Bins with Nature Items

Create a fall-themed sensory bin filled with natural materials like dried corn kernels, cinnamon sticks, and small pumpkins that capture the essence of fall.

• Dry leaves, pinecones, acorns, and small branches.
• Sensory materials like rice, sand, or dried beans for added texture.
• Tools such as scoops, spoons, or small containers for sorting and manipulating items.

Gardening & Harvesting Activities for Kids

Apple Exploration

Celebrate the abundance of apples during September with engaging activities centered around this seasonal fruit. Consider:

• Apple tasting, encouraging children to explore different varieties and discuss flavors.
• Apple slicing and serving, allowing children to practice fine motor skills and serve slices to their peers.
• Apple-themed math activities, such as counting apple seeds or sorting apples by size or color.

Gardening & Harvesting

Engage preschoolers in the process of harvesting fruits and vegetables from a garden, promoting a connection to nature and healthy eating habits. Involve children in:

• Picking ripe vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers.
• Washing and preparing the harvested produce for a shared snack or cooking activity.
• Discussing the importance of fresh, seasonal foods and their benefits for the body.
• Teach your child about the harvest season and the types of fruits and vegetables that are commonly harvested in September (e.g., apples, pumpkins, corn).
• Plan a visit to a local farm or farmers market to learn about different produce and possibly pick some fresh fruits or vegetables.
• Set up a small indoor or outdoor garden and involve your child in planting, watering, and caring for the plants.
• Try this fine motor activity with dried sunflowers

These hands-on activities foster independence, curiosity, and a love for learning, while celebrating the wonders of the season. Whether in the classroom or at home, let Montessori September activities inspire you to create unforgettable learning experiences for your preschoolers, setting them on a path of exploration, growth, and discovery.

Remember to tailor these activities to your child’s interests and abilities. The Montessori approach emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and independence, so try to incorporate these principles into your activities. Have fun exploring September with your preschooler!