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Autumn Adventures
Fall Fun With Children By C.J. Johnson
Play is extremely important to the development of thinking, motor, language and social-emotional skills for young children, says Brenda Hussey-Gardner, Ph.D., developmental specialist and assistant professor at University of Maryland Hospital for Children.
"Fall is a great time to play outdoors with your child to stimulate development and to have fun," she says. "You can help your child learn while playing outdoors this fall by offering constructive play activities."
"Our family loves the fall," says Pam Prevatt Woll of Charlotte, N.C. "We go on family hikes and collect colorful red and yellow leaves and make Christmas gifts with them. Our 4-year-old boy loves being a part of it all by helping us collect leaves. He has so much enthusiasm that he doesn't realize how far we have hiked."
- Small pumpkin the size of a child's head
- Paint
- Old clothing to adorn the scarecrow
- Straw or newspaper
- Safety pins
Help your child paint the pumpkin to resemble his own face. Then stuff the clothing with straw or newspaper. You can hold the outfit together with safety pins. Position the scarecrow in a focal point of the yard. Place the pumpkin head on top of the body and add a hat for more flare. (Adventurous parents may want to create an entire family of scarecrows to match each member of the household.)
Parents can take children to a park, a local sandbox or even use a large flat pan to hold sand. If you give your child a pail, funnel, spoon and colander there will be no end to their fascination.
It doesn't take a lot of time, money or knowledge to have a marvelous experience with children during the fall. What are you waiting for? The great outdoors is calling – grab your kids and head outside to indulge in autumn splendor!
