Crunching Leaves and Growing Minds:
Preschool Learning on Nature Walks

October is such a good time to head outside with your class. The air is cooler, the leaves are colorful, and the ground is full of “treasures” that preschoolers love to pick up. Even a quick walk can inspire curiosity, build observation skills, and get kids asking questions.

What to Look For

• Count how many colors of leaves you can find.
• Compare big leaves and small ones.
• Notice squirrels, birds, or bugs and talk about what they’re doing.
• Listen for the sounds under your feet—crunchy, soft, or squishy!

Back in the ClassroomTeacher Tip

• Make leaf rubbings or collages.
• Start a “nature table” where kids can share what they collected.
• Read a fall story and connect it to things you saw outside.

Keep the walk short and let the kids set the pace. The magic often happens when they stop to look closely at something you might have walked right past.

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