autumn Archives - Let their light shine!

Autumn activity for kids!

Several years ago when my children were children (and not adults – how did that happen so fast?!) we planted some conkers in plant pots. Once we had kept the squirrels at bay they began to grow and are now abour six feet tall. They are still in pots as horse chestnut trees can become very large if planted direct into the garden and our garden isn’t big enough. Here’s a photo of one of our trees.

Autumn craft

Autumn craft and activities to enjoy! I love making seasonal wreaths. They can be taken home and used to decorate. It is good for children to see their art work displayed and treasured.

We’ve used faux leaves for this wreath that were bought. You could use cut out leaf shapes instead and add tissue paper berries. Use autumnal colours – reds, oranges and yellows, browns and add a pop of green. The wreath in the first photo is a circle of cardboard bought from Amazon. If you would rather make your own use a paper plate and cut out the centre or cut a circle from card.

Autumn wreath using faux leaves

Autumn wreath made with paper leaves — Autumn wreath using paper cut out leaf shapes and tissue paper berries

Home made playdough can be used to decorate an autumn tree.

Tree picture decorated with playdough leaves

The tree printout has been laminated – if you don’t have a laminator (and lots of us don’t) then use tacky back to cover printed or drawn tree.

The playdough is homemade and coloured with poster paint. Leaves were cut out using a cake decorating cutter. This would be a lovely activity for a small group in Sunday school or at home. If you add vanilla extract to the dough it smells amazing. If you would rather not use a cutter then just make leaf shapes by rolling the dough and shaping it with hands.

Playdough recipe – This playdough is a no cook recipe – it uses boiling water so has to be made by an adult.

1 cup flour

1/4 cup salt

1 teaspoon cream of tarter (you really do need this – don’t be tempted to leave it out and make sure it’s in date. It’ll stop the dough going slimy)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (don’t use a nut oil in case children are allergic)

3/4 cup boiling water

Food colouring paste or ready mix water colour paint for colour

To make – add all the dry ingredients together in a mixer and then add the oil, boiling water and colouring and mix till a soft dough. You can mix by hand but it’ll take longer.

Tree free pdf to print

As well as an autumn wreath and autumn playdough trees another Autumn craft you can make extra large autumn leaves! Just cut large leaf shapes from coloured sugar paper and decorate!

Autumn/fall wreath to make

Making an autumn/fall wreath is a great way to celebrate the change of the season. This uses a home made cardboard ring. You can buy them pre made for larger groups.

This is a simple autumn wreath.

What you need:

A card circle with the middle cut out. You can buy these but I drew round a paper plate and a pencil pot. Use a low weight card to make cutting out easier.

Glue

Hole punch

Tissue paper, in autumn colours, to cover the wreath and some to scrunch up into ‘berries’

Leaf shapes in autumn colours, plus a few green (this adds a bit of zing to the picture!)

Yellow wool to tie through a hole (use a hole punch)

Display some autumn pictures to give children ideas.