By. Meredith Biesinger
The air is getting crisper, the leaves are changing, and maybe you’ve purchased your first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Not only is fall a favorite season for many, but it’s also a peak learning season for students!
Here’s why…
1. New Beginnings
Schools typically start in (or around) fall time. The season has come to be associated with new beginnings. When the temperatures drop and the leaves start changing, students can let go of summer and settle into the routine of learning again. Take advantage of the new school year energy, and set the tone for an engaging new school year. This is the best time to establish new classroom routines and habits that will serve you and your students for the rest of the year.
2. Seasons & Reasons
With fall comes perfect learning opportunities for your classroom. You can teach your students about the science behind the changes in deciduous trees’ leaves. Other great topics include: Harvest, Autumnal Equinox, and even our beloved pumpkin spice is a learning opportunity! There are interesting (and delicious) things to build into our curriculum every day!
3. The Classroom is Everywhere
One of the reasons fall is many people’s favorite season is because it’s a great time to spend both inside and outside. The cooler weather offers fun activities such as nature walks, apple picking, corn mazes, more! The weather will still allow you to take your students out on field trips and teach outdoor lessons, but your students will also be excited to come back inside to learn in a warm classroom, especially if you decorate it with coziness in mind.
4. Holidays
Fall is full of holidays that make for great learning opportunities. Beginning with Labor Day, which might not be a typical favorite holiday, but does lead to some important lessons about history and the economy.
Halloween comes next! Consider throwing a classroom Halloween party and teaching lessons about topics such as history, nutrition, and social skills.
Thanksgiving completes the season and can be utilized for several different history lessons and character education opportunities about gratitude. Happy fall, y’all!