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Kickstart the School Year with Fun Fall Activities!

Welcome to the HIPPY Halton September blog! As we ease into the new school year, we’re excited to share a month full of engaging and educational activities for you and your preschooler.

September brings the change of seasons, making it the perfect time to explore sensory play, science and STEM activities, hands-on learning, and some simple yet delightful recipes. Let's dive into this month’s activities and make learning fun and memorable!


alphabet letters in a tray

Week One: Language Skills Development - Building Vocabulary


This week, we're focusing on language skills by exploring vocabulary through fun activities like celebrating Labour Day, sensory play with maple leaves, and discussing the first day of school.


Activity 1: Celebrate Canadian Labour Day


This week, start by introducing your child to different jobs in Canada.


Talk about the roles of firefighters, teachers, and other community helpers.


To make it more interactive, have your child colour pictures of these workers and discuss what they do.





Activity 2: Sensory Play Activity - Maple Leaf Walk


Head outdoors for a Maple Leaf Walk. Encourage your child to collect leaves of different sizes, colours, and textures.


As you walk, ask questions:

  • Is this leaf small or big?

  • Is it green, brown, yellow, red, or orange?

  • Is it soft, rough, or bumpy?


This activity not only enhances vocabulary but also stimulates sensory exploration.


Activity 3: The First Day of School


Sit down with your child and read My First Day of School. Afterward, talk about their own first day—how they felt, what they liked, and what they didn’t. This discussion helps in expressing emotions and building language skills.



Week Two: Math Skills Development - Counting


We’re diving into math skills with hands-on counting activities, from autumn nature walks to cooking and leaf rubbings.


Activity 1: Autumn Art Activity


Take a nature walk and collect autumn treasures like leaves, acorns, and pinecones. Once home, count how many of each item you’ve collected and group them together. Help your child count the items in each group—perfect for developing counting skills.


Activity 2: Cooking Activity - Cake Pops


Get creative in the kitchen by making cake pops with your little one. Watch this tutorial and count the ingredients together. Cooking is a fun way to practice counting and following instructions.


Activity 3: Leaf Rubbing with Crayons


Use the leaves from your nature walk for a leaf-rubbing activity. Place the leaves under a sheet of paper and gently rub crayons over the top. Count how many leaves you have and see the patterns they create.


Activity 4: Reading Aloud - Start Today with A Smile


Read this uplifting story and talk about how a positive attitude can brighten any day. Encourage your child to start each day with a smile, no matter what challenges they face.



Week Three: Science Skills Development


This week, we’re exploring science skills by learning about beavers, discovering how maple syrup is made, and cooking pancakes together.


Activity 1: Animals and Nature - Learn About Beavers


Explore how beavers build dams by watching this video. Discuss where beavers live and how they create their homes, enhancing your child’s understanding of nature.


Activity 2: Learn How Maple Syrup is Made


Discover the journey of maple syrup from tree to table by watching this video. It’s a sweet way to introduce your child to the wonders of nature.


Activity 3: Cooking Recipe with Maple Syrup - Pancake Fun


Make delicious pancakes together and pour maple syrup on top. This simple recipe is a great way to practice pouring skills and discuss where maple syrup comes from.


Activity 4: Read Aloud - At Grandpa's Sugar Bush


Continue learning about maple syrup with a cozy read-aloud session. This story takes your child on a journey through making maple syrup, deepening their connection to Canadian traditions.



Week Four: Emotional and Social Development Skills


We’re focusing on emotional and social development, with activities that celebrate friendship, Indigenous culture, and the joys of the fall season.


Activity 1: Friendship Story - The Special Friendship of Fox, Raccoon, and Hedgehog


Watch this heartwarming story about friendship. Discuss with your child what makes a good friend and how they can be a good friend to others.


Activity 2: Build a Simple Inukshuk


Introduce your child to Canadian Indigenous culture by building a simple Inukshuk with small stones. This activity is not only creative but also teaches about the significance of these special rock formations.


Activity 3: Animal Friends


Show pictures of Canadian animals like bears and loons, and let your child colour their favourite. This activity fosters an appreciation for wildlife while developing fine motor skills.


Activity 4: Fall Read Aloud - I See Fall


Experience the many joys of fall with this beautiful read-aloud. Discuss pumpkins, leaves, apples, and the excitement of Halloween.




Activity 5: Mini Harvest Festival


As September winds down, celebrate with a Mini Harvest Festival. Set up a small table with toy fruits and vegetables, and let your child pretend to host a harvest party.


Talk about how farmers grow the food we eat, making the connection between nature and nourishment.

 

Ready to Empower Your Child's Learning Journey? Join the HIPPY Program Today!


At HIPPY Halton, we believe every child deserves the best start in life.


Our program equips parents with the tools, knowledge, and support to help their children succeed in preschool and beyond—all from the comfort of home. Through our free, evidence-based curriculum, your child will develop crucial skills in language, math, science, and social-emotional learning, while you gain confidence as their first teacher.


Sign up for the HIPPY Program today and let’s embark on this educational journey together!



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