Preschool children are just beginning to learn about the calendar and time. At Kids Konnect, children learn by doing activities involving days of the week, months and seasons. Parents can enjoy exploring seasons with their children by reading good children's literature and doing fun seasonal activities. Here are our top picks for preschool Fall books:
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
This book wonderfully captures the passage of time that preschoolers are just starting to understand. Children see what happens as a maple tree is planted, grows and changes from one season to the next. After reading this book, look around your neighborhood to see the changing colors of the leaves.
Giving Thanks by Jonathan London and Gregory Manchess
A wonderful book to read around Thanksgiving, this story tells about a father and son taking a walk together. While they walk, the father teaches his son to have gratitude for everything he sees: the sky, the frogs, a deer, the moon and the waving trees. After reading this book, take your own walk in the woods and see what you can find to be thankful for.
Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
With colorful illustrations and a simple story, this book tells about an apple farmer named Annie who makes all kinds of things from her apples to take and sell at the local farmer's market. Visit a farmer's market or supermarket after reading this book and pick out some different types of apples to taste. You might even want to make some applesauce.
Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden by George Levenson
A great book to read before going to a pumpkin patch or carving your pumpkin. This story of the life cycle of a pumpkin has some amazing photographs of pumpkins showing seeds sprouting, bees hovering, flowers blossoming, and pumpkins growing ever bigger. Especially interesting are the photographs of pumpkins rotting and going back to renew the earth. You can use Levenson's instructions to try growing your own pumpkin with your preschooler.
With all of these great books to read, snuggle up with your child and enjoy exploring the season through great children's literature before taking a walk in the fall weather. Where is your favorite place in the Bay Area to see fall colors?