Autumn presents a fantastic opportunity to incorporate seasonal activities into ABA sessions that not only capture the essence of fall but also align with some students’ program goals. Here are some fun and educational autumn-themed activities, and the specific skills they target.
1. Leaf Sorting Game
Description: Children gather various leaves of different colors, shapes, and sizes to sort them into categories.
Instructions:
- Collect leaves from different trees during a nature walk or have a supply ready.
- Set up bins or trays for sorting: one for colors (red, yellow, brown), one for shapes (pointy, rounded), and one for sizes (large, medium, small).
- Encourage the child to sort leaves according to the designated categories.
Skills Targeted:
- Classification: Helps children learn to categorize items based on observable features.
- Fine Motor Skills: Picking up and sorting leaves develops dexterity and hand strength.
- Following Instructions: Encourages children to listen and follow instructions to sort.
2. Pumpkin Painting
Description: Children can express creativity by painting small pumpkins, engaging in a sensory-rich, artistic experience.
Instructions:
- Provide small pumpkins and non-toxic paint (or markers).
- Set up a designated space with newspapers or a drop cloth to manage mess.
- Allow children to paint their pumpkins, encouraging discussions about color choices and design or labeling different attributes.
Skills Targeted:
- Expressive Language: Facilitates verbal expression as children describe their designs and choices.
- Fine Motor Skills: Painting improves control and strength in hand muscles.
- Social Interaction: Collaborative work can foster sharing, turn-taking, and peer interaction.
3. Scavenger Hunt
Description: Create a seasonal scavenger hunt with items commonly found in autumn, like acorns, pinecones, or colored leaves. You can throw in Halloween specific items as well as it gets later in the month!
Instructions:
- Prepare a list of items to find, or create picture cards for younger children.
- Set clear boundaries for the hunt area—like a backyard, park or the clinic space.
- Encourage children to find the items on the list, providing assistance as needed.
Skills Targeted:
- On Task Behavior: Encourages focus and observation skills, even with everyday distractions present.
- Problem-Solving: Children learn to strategize and think critically about how to locate items.
- Requesting: Promote skills in asking for help or clarifications during the hunt.
4. Fall-Themed Storytime & Role Play
Description: Read a seasonal book and encourage children to act out the story or engage in related role play.
Instructions:
- Choose a fall-themed story (such as “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson) and read it during therapy.
- After reading, prompt the child to retell the story or select characters to act out key scenes.
- Use props, costumes, or puppets to enhance engagement and comprehension.
Skills Targeted:
- Comprehension & Recall: Encourages understanding and memory of narrative structure.
- Social Skills: Develops sequential learning and turn-taking in role play.
- Creativity and Imagination: Supports expressive play and creativity in storytelling.
5. Nature Art Collage
Description: Use natural materials collected outdoors to create a unique fall-themed art collage.
Instructions:
- Collect items like leaves, twigs, and small stones during a nature walk or have them already available if this is not an option.
- Provide a piece of cardboard or heavy paper and glue.
- Invite children to arrange their collected items into a meaningful design, and then secure them with glue.
Skills Targeted:
- Creativity or Copy from Example: Offers an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement for creating something their own or even the ability to copy from a model.
- Planning and Organization: Encourages discussion or about their layout choices and what materials to use. For emerging learners, they can tact or point where they’d like things to go.
- Fine Motor Skills: Improves dexterity through handling small materials and applying glue.
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