Fall offers a perfect opportunity for sensory-rich activities that also engage educational domains. For neurodivergent folks, it’s essential to create experiences that respect their unique sensory needs while encouraging exploration and creativity. Here are three educational and sensory-friendly activities to enjoy this season for all ages and abilities:
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt with Texture Exploration
Take a walk through a park or nature trail and collect different fall treasures like leaves, pinecones, acorns, berries, or sticks. Let your child explore the textures—whether they prefer soft, smooth, rough, or bumpy surfaces. You might offer that they categorize items by texture, color, or shape. For children sensitive to touch, you can modify the activity by having them observe and describe the objects from a distance or using gloves if needed. This activity can also be used for modeling descriptive language- instead of asking your child to describe, you can do the describing! For older learners, consider skipping the scavenger hunt, and instead enjoying a peaceful walk in nature while completing a meditation and enjoying the foliage.
Educational Focus: Nature science, categorization, sensory exploration, mindfulness, descriptive language
2. Pumpkin Sensory Play and Simple Science
Instead of carving pumpkins, offer a no-carve sensory experience. Scoop out the insides of the pumpkin and let your learner feel the seeds and pulp. If they’re comfortable, they can squish and sift through the contents, noticing the different textures and smells. For a sensory-friendly alternative, use faux pumpkins for painting or stickers. Incorporate a simple science experiment by discussing the lifecycle of a pumpkin and how they grow, or by baking with the seeds or the pumpkin flesh and discussing the science of baking!
Educational Focus: Biology, sensory exploration, creativity, cooking
3. Autumn Leaf Art and Visual Mapping
Gather a collection of colorful fall leaves and create leaf rubbings with crayons. This activity allows participants to engage with the patterns and shapes in a visual and tactile way. For those who prefer visual learning, try making a "leaf map" by arranging leaves by size or color on a large poster. Kids who prefer structured tasks can enjoy sorting and organizing the leaves into specific patterns or designs, reinforcing both fine motor and problem-solving skills. For adult participants, they may find joy in using the leaves to create a rainbow garland decoration using a needle and fishing line.
Educational Focus: Fine motor development, visual-spatial learning, executive functioning
By offering a variety of textures, smells, and visual experiences, these activities are adaptable for different sensory preferences, making them enjoyable and affirming for every age and ability. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year and a perfect season to continue celebrating differences and creating rich, supportive learning environments for all.
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