Autumn is the perfect time to help children explore and learn about the beauties of nature. I love the change of seasons, the beautiful colors, and everything that comes along with this season.  Help children embrace the season and learning experience with fun sensory tubs that they can create themselves.

 

Simple Autumn Sensory Supplies:

• fall leaves (real or artificial)
• pine cones

 

The first autumn tub is a beautiful replica of the colors of nature in the fall season. If you have beautiful natural leaves in fall colors, those would be perfect. The natural leaves add the sensory element of touch as children explore what the leaves feel like at different stages of drying. The artificial leaves will last longer and can be used year after year but they will not have the same texture as natural leaves. The pine cones can be collected easily if you have easy access to pine trees. If not, these can be purchased inexpensively at discount and dollar stores in the fall.

 

 

 

 

Enhanced Autumn Sensory Supplies:

• oat cereal
• autumn candy mix
• leaves in fall colors
• flowers in fall colors
• gourds

This sensory box is a beautiful example of the autumn season including a variety of colors and pieces that represent the fall season. The seasonal accent pieces are all artificial in this example tub, with only the cereal and candy being perishable items. Just as with other examples, you can use replicas or the real thing in your sensory boxes; however, the real pieces are always preferable. The main distinction is that real pumpkins, gourds, flowers, and leaves will have a limited use and be more fragile. If you choose to create the tubs with artificial pieces, you can use them year after year. In this example tub, the perishable items of cereal and candy mix would be discarded before storing it for another year.

You can find many more activities in the book which is available at Amazon.com. Direct links to all of the books are on the page labeled “Dr. Andrea’s Books.”