October: A Month with No End to Inspiration

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Halloween are ram jam-packed with inspiration for home and school. From visiting farms with apples, pumpkins, corn mazes, petting areas, hiking trails covered in gorgeous autumn-coloured leaves, to baking and cooking with our celebrated fall harvest to engaging in fall and Halloween-themed crafts, there seems to be no end to what we can do. Here are a few ideas plus further links below.

Weather

Yes, the weather can be unpredictable, however, all the more reason to make it a ‘seize the day’ month. Whenever possible at home or school get the kids out for walks or playtime when it isn’t raining.
Speaking of rain, why not set a container out during the beginning of the month to collect and measure the rainfall. Record the amount then compare it to another month in the year.

Math

When heading out to farms or shopping for fruits and vegetables weigh the various items comparing them in their weight to their size.
If cutting open a seeded veggie or fruit, try to estimate or count how many seeds are found inside.
Introduce the term ‘circumference.’ Measure and compare the circumference of various fruit and veggies.
Use an apple to demonstrate fractions: a half, a quarter, and an eighth by cutting it into the appropriate sizes.

Science

Research the growth cycle of various common fruit and vegetables.
Record how long it takes for a puddle to evaporate.
Research clouds and cloud formation.
Research why October is considered the heart of the hurricane season.

Language Arts

Reading a recipe and baking/cooking is a great active way of engaging kids in reading for a purpose. Bake cookies or make a simple slow cooker recipe.
The fall triggers the senses with taste, smell, sight texture. Using the senses write a descriptive poem that could be a descriptive free verse celebration of senses or written in rhyming couplets. Some of the inspiring topics could be food, weather, outdoor activity, gratitude, or Halloween-related.

Art

Use cut vegetables and fruit for paint printmaking.
Research the Group of Seven then try to paint your own fall scene in the style of the of a Group of Seven.
Shrink apples to make apple heads/dolls. Warning: this will take the help of adults.