Fall brings plenty of opportunities for preschoolers to explore and learn through movement and play.

At the Learning Village in Pembroke Pines, we encourage children to develop both gross and fine motor skills through engaging seasonal activities.

Here are five fun and educational fall activities that help children grow while enjoying the wonders of the season.

1. Pumpkin Rolling Race

Get the kids moving with a pumpkin rolling race! Instead of simply running, have children use a broom to roll mini pumpkins across a finish line. This activity can be turned into a relay race for added excitement.

• Fun Twist: Introduce a team aspect to build cooperation and make it even more fun.
• Learning Objective: Develop gross motor skills by coordinating body movements to roll the pumpkins.
• Benefit: Enhances balance, coordination, and teamwork while giving children an active and fun outdoor experience.

We believe in using seasonal activities like these to foster physical development and collaboration among children.

2. Leaf Scavenger Hunt

Fall is the perfect time for a leaf scavenger hunt! As the leaves change colors, kids can explore the outdoors by collecting leaves of different shapes, sizes, and colors. This nature-based activity ties into STEM learning by encouraging observation and exploration.

• Fun Twist: Have kids sort their collected leaves by color, shape, or size and count how many they find.
• Learning Objective: Strengthen fine motor skills through leaf collecting and sorting, while improving their observation skills.
• Benefit: Enhances dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development while kids engage with nature.

Outdoor learning at our preschool in Pembroke Pines not only connects children with the environment but also supports motor skill development in a fun and interactive way.

3. Corn Kernel Sensory Play

Bring the sensory experience indoors with corn kernel sensory bins. Fill bins with dried corn kernels, small toys, or fall-themed objects, and let children dig in to find hidden treasures. Sensory play is a key part of early childhood education and helps develop essential fine motor skills.

• Fun Twist: Add fall-scented items like cinnamon sticks or pinecones to make it a multi-sensory experience.
• Learning Objective: Promote fine motor skills by having children manipulate small objects, improving hand strength and precision.
• Benefit: Sensory play enhances tactile awareness, fine motor development, and creativity.

At the Learning Village, we incorporate sensory activities into our curriculum to create hands-on learning experiences for every child.

4. Apple Toss Game

Turn a simple toss game into a gross motor skill activity by using apples! Set up baskets or containers at different distances and challenge children to toss soft toy apples into them. This game not only keeps kids active but also helps improve their coordination and motor skills.

• Fun Twist: Create a points system for different baskets, encouraging children to aim for higher scores.
• Learning Objective: Develop hand-eye coordination and upper body strength through aiming and tossing.
• Benefit: Encourages physical development while improving focus and spatial awareness.

At the Learning Village, we understand the importance of incorporating fun gross motor activities that promote physical health alongside learning.

5. Pinecone Painting

Unleash creativity with pinecone painting! Let kids dip pinecones in paint and roll them across paper to create unique, textured designs. This activity taps into fine motor development as children handle and manipulate the pinecones.

• Fun Twist: Introduce different-sized pinecones and colors to encourage pattern-making and artistic exploration.
• Learning Objective: Build fine motor skills by gripping and rolling the pinecones, and promote creativity through art.
• Benefit: Strengthens hand muscles and improves coordination while allowing kids to express themselves artistically.

Creative art projects like this are a staple of our Creative Curriculum at Learning Village, where we prioritize motor skill development and creativity in all of our programs.

At Learning Village, we understand the value of providing a safe and engaging environment for children to grow.

Our carefully designed activities not only support fine and gross motor development but also create memorable and fun experiences for preschoolers. Would you like to learn more about our programs and how we foster growth through play and exploration?

Schedule a tour today to discover why families in Pembroke Pines trust us with their child’s early learning journey.