Fall is in the air, and I am ready for it!
We have some HOT summers where we live so by the time fall arrives, we are all looking forward to it. Now that we've passed my son's birthday (14 years!), we're filling our calendar with all the fun fall activities. Many of these are events we've turned to again and again over the years, but there are a few new challenges in here as well. Just some cozy autumn activities to bring warmth to our family and homeschool.
*Visit a Pumpkin Patch--This is something we've done nearly as long as we've been parents. Sometimes we visit the pumpkin patch as part of a field trip, and sometimes, we go on our own. Either way, we make sure to include a stop at the petting zoo (hello, hands-on learning), some shopping at the vegetable stand (so many new varieties), and a seasonal treat.
*Make a seasonal drink--Autumn is the perfect time to be in the kitchen. Maybe try your hand at homemade apple cider. Or if you live in a warmer climate like me, what about an apple cider mocktail?
*Bake Apple Cider donuts--We've picked up some Apple Cider donuts at our local Farmer's Market a time or not. So I'm thinking this year, it's time we tried making our own. My daughter has a donut maker that she loves working with, and the smell of these treats is heavenly. This looks like the perfect way to get the kids involved in baking.
*Decorate for fall--I don't do a lot of decorating other than at Christmas, but we do have a variety of decorative pumpkins that are fun to put out. Pumpkins are versatile for the whole season, and decorating for the fall adds to the anticipation of the season. Plus, it's a great way to put some emphasis on Thanksgiving, which often gets overlooked.
*Make a pumpkin dessert (or apple)-- I know... I know... I've talked enough about apples, right? But I'm dying to revive these Caramel Apple Cheesecake bars.... or maybe these Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Or maybe something entirely new!
*Attend a fall festival--Our little area holds a variety of fall festivals. I honestly think we're all just excited to get together after being under the A/C all summer. So we have a lot to choose from. Whether it be an apple festival, the salmon festival, or the honey bee festival, autumn is the perfect time to jump into these community activities.
*Make candles--A couple of years ago, the kids and I rolled wax candles. It was a fun and easy activity to add some lightness to our homeschool. And then we wanted that homey feeling, we'd light one to burn while we did homeschool. Rolled candles are easy for a variety of ages. And if you want to take it a step further, why not borrow or invest in candle-making supplies? Candle making is a great handicraft for any homeschool, and creates a useful gift for giving at Christmastime..
*Cook a pot of chili--Better yet, host a chili cook off with your homeschool group. Pick a Saturday so the dads can join in, set the scene with a bonfire, and see who has the best family recipe (all fun and games, of course). What a great way to build community.
*Carve a pumpkin--My kids have definitely upped their game in the last couple of years with more and more intricate designs. I'm still a fan of the classic toothy smile pumpkin. Whatever you prefer, make a family night out of it. Make caramel corn, carve your pumpkins, and then watch a Charlie Brown special. Laugh at the goofiness of the Peanuts gang and enjoy your treat, while the neighbors enjoy seeing your pumpkins on the porch.
*Enjoy a hay ride--Autumn is the perfect time for a hay ride. Local pumpkin patches will usually offer one when they're open. Or call your local U-Pick farm to ask if they have a hay ride available. There's nothing like this nostalgic mode of transportation, and many kids have never had this experience. Soak it in, laugh, sing goofy songs....
Autumn is ripe with possibilities.
How are you adding to the cozy atmosphere in your homeschool?
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