3. Exploring puddles is messy, wonderful play! If you’re like me, you’ve probably said something like these: “Watch out for that puddle!” “Don’t get your good shoes soaked!” “Stop stomping in that!” Kids often here a lot of “no’s” when it comes to puddles, so let’s surprise them with a “yes day.” Messy play is beneficial for children. Siu-Lan Tan, Ph.D., says, “It is shallow and deep. It records every step, augments your every move, but eventually leaves no trace that you were ever there. It is both moving and still. A mysterious thing is a puddle, and worth investigating.” There is much to observe here. Test what will float in a puddle. A feather? A rock? A string? Check out your reflection in the puddle. Does it move? Is it altered? Are there insects in or around the puddle? What sound does a pebble make when you drop it into the puddle? What happens if you blow on it through a straw?
4. Bring nature inside in a sensory bin. Sometimes it’s too chilly, muddy, or rainy to go exploring outside. For times like those, create a fall sensory bin for your child. Here again, lots of inspiration can be found on the internet. You might choose small pumpkins, gourds, acorns, pinecones, apples, and leaves for a general autumn nature bin, or you could make your bin themed with apple scents or farm harvest bins with small tractors and other play items. If you want a messy, fun bin, fill it with the guts of the pumpkins you carve!
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” – Lauren Destefano
