As fall sweeps in, it’s the perfect time to add easy and engaging fall activities to your lesson plans. Discover how you can bring the spirit of autumn into your classroom!
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1. Leaf Rubbing Activity
This classic project combines creativity with a touch of nature, giving students a hands-on way to explore the colors and textures of fall leaves. Science teachers looking for activities to teach about plant species can use this activity!
Materials Needed: Leaves, paper, and crayons
Instructions: Gathering a variety of leaves, students will create textured artwork by placing leaves under paper and rubbing them with crayons. Further instructions can be found here.
2. Paper Plate Pumpkins
Get your class into the fall spirit with a simple, low-prep activity that brings a dash of pumpkin spice to your walls—no carving required! Your students will love flexing their creative muscles while turning ordinary paper plates into cheeky jack-o’-lantern faces. It’s quick, it’s festive, and best of all, it’s a mess-free way to embrace the holiday.
Materials Needed: Orange Paint/Markers, Paper Plates, Construction paper, Scissors
Instructions: Students will use orange paint or markers to color paper plates. Then, add construction paper eyes, noses, and mouths to create jack-o’-lantern faces! This fun and simple craft is perfect for elementary classrooms and requires minimal materials. Further instructions can be found here.
3. Turkey Handprints
Gobble up some classroom fun with a classic Thanksgiving craft! It’s a simple, low-cost activity that allows your students to practice their fine motor skills and creativity.
Materials Needed: Pencil, Craft Paint (Brown, Orange, Red, Yellow, Green), Paintbrushes, Black Marker, Orange Marker, Red Marker
Instructions: Students trace their hands and turn the outline into a turkey by adding details like feathers, eyes, and beaks. You can use paint for a handprint turkey as well. Further instructions can be found here.
4. Outdoor Activity: Fall Nature Collages
Get outside and bring the beauty of fall into your classroom with a Nature Collage activity! This simple and creative art project encourages students to explore the outdoors, engage with nature, and use their imaginations to create a piece of art.
Materials Needed: Paper, Glue, Leaves, Acorns, Small Sticks
Instructions: Students can collect items like leaves, acorns, or small sticks during a nature walk and glue them onto paper to create their own fall-themed collages. Further instructions can be found here.
5. Ghost Bowling
Get your students into the Halloween spirit with a ghostly twist on bowling! This easy, mess-free DIY project swaps the traditional bowling pins for ghostly paper cups, making it both eco-friendly and fun. It’s a great way to boost their hand-eye coordination as they knock over those spooky targets. Ghost Bowling is sure to become a favorite in your classroom!
Materials Needed: White paper cups, Black marker, Plastic Ball
Instructions: Using white paper cups and a black marker to create the ghost faces, stack them in a bowling pin formation. You can use any plastic ball, or even decorate it as a pumpkin for the theme! Further instructions can be found here.
