As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, we welcome one of our favorite seasons at Summit Preparatory Academy—fall! A time filled with warmth, wonder, and plenty of opportunities for learning through play. And yes, we’re embracing all things pumpkin spice and everything nice!
Autumn brings a reset to a child’s routine and rhythm. At Summit Preparatory Academy are in our cozy routines doing sensory-rich activities, and loving the excitement of seasonal traditions that’s perfect for young children. Fall is a great time to reinforce healthy habits at home and daycare —from nutrition to sleep routines—that support your child’s growth and well-being. This is just a few ways we’re celebrating the season in our classrooms—and how you can join in the fun and wellness at home with the whole family!
Seasonal Learning Through Play
Fall is bursting with colors – and teachable moments. We use the season to spark curiosity and creativity in ways that support your child’s development:
- Pumpkin Exploration Children get hands-on to learn about pumpkins—touching, smelling, scooping, and even counting seeds. It’s a sensory experience that builds vocabulary, fine motor skills, and early math concepts.
- Leaf Sorting & Nature Hunts We collect leaves of different shapes and colors, then sort them by size or hue. We become scientist and nature enthusiasts- observing nature around the center to observe fall changes in the environment from animals to tree leaves to new sounds – it’s a full sensory experience that practices mindfulness.
- Fall-Themed Story time Books like Too Many Pumpkins, Leaf Man, and Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn help children explore themes of gratitude, change, and imagination. Find your local libraries and archives and check out some of these great books!
- Art Time Our art tables are overflowing with fall-themed projects that encourage creativity and self-expressions. Book your tour at Summit Preparatory Academy today to see what they are working on in the classrooms.
Social-Emotional Warmth
Fall is also a time to nurture emotional growth. As routines settle and the holidays approach, we focus on:
- Kindness & Sharing Group activities and games that encourage cooperation and empathy.
- Mindfulness creating quiet moments to bring more awareness to their little bodies focusing on how we breathe and how we feel. Look to observe details in the world around us.
- Comfort & Connection Cozy reading corners, warm lighting, and soft textures help children feel safe and calm—especially important as the days get shorter.
- Celebrating Traditions We invite families to share their fall traditions, whether it’s baking, decorating, or storytelling. This builds community and honors diversity.
Fall Nutrition: Fueling Healthy Bodies and Minds
Fall is a wonderful time to introduce children to nutrient-rich foods that support their immune systems and energy levels. At home, you can support healthy eating by involving your child in meal prep by letting them wash veggies, stir batter, or help set the table. These small tasks build independence and a positive relationship with food.
- Seasonal Produce Try to incorporate apples, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and pumpkins into snacks and meals. These are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Warm, Wholesome Meals Soups, stews, and baked dishes offer comfort and nutrition. Focusing on balanced meals with whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of veggies can help little belly feel full longer. You can find easy to make recipes like 30 Best Fall Crockpot Recipes online or in a local book store.
- Hydration Reminders Cooler weather can make children less likely to drink water, so we encourage regular hydration throughout the day.
Fall Fun at Home
Want to bring the magic of pumpkin spice season home? Try these simple ideas:
- Yummy Treats Bake pumpkin muffins together and talk about ingredients
- Support Local Farms and Vendors Visit a local pumpkin patch or farmers market
- Snuggle Up Make a cozy corner with blankets and books for quiet time. Read fall-themed books before bedtime
- Pumpkin Prints Using mini pumpkins and paint, children stamp patterns and explore texture.
- Thankful Jar Help your child write or draw a picture of something they’re thankful for
- Play outside As the days get shorter get outside build leaf piles or go on a nature hunt!
Come see the season in action at Summit Preparatory Academy, we believe every season brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Fall is a time of warmth, wonder, and togetherness—and we’d love to share it with your Family. Book a tour today!