This week we celebrate the beginning of Autumn or Fall. This is an equinox, which means the pull of the tides is equal on the earth. This is one of the two days each year that you can stand an egg on it's end, without it rolling over. The night and day are the same length or "equal". So let's celebrate the earth as she gets ready for winter and we're reaping the fruits of the harvest.
Letter of the Week: F - for Fall - point out things that start with "F" - father, falling leaves, fall down, feather. Show your toddler a picture of both a capital F and a lower case f. Draw an F on paper, or use your child's finger to draw it in the sandbox or dirt. Use bath tub or refrigerator letters to show him/her this letter as well. You can even use flashcards during meals a little at a time.
Number of the Week: 2 - When you show your child anything say "2 feathers" (or whatever you are counting). Count to 2. Write the number 2 on paper. Show your child 2 things at a time and count them - "one" "two" - so your child gets used to the pattern. If your toddler is 2, show them how to make the number 2 with their fingers to show how old he/she is.
Songs of the Week: Autumn Leaves are A-Falling - This is a really cute song with simple lyrics and fun hand motions your toddler will enjoy.
Story of the Week: Going on a Leaf Hunt - this is a video, not a book but the video shows a book being read by a bear and an owl. It's super cute. I would encourage you to take your little one to the local library as well and find fall-themed books to read together.
Snack of the Week: Apples - They are in season now. The kinds we like most are Honey Crisp, Braeburn or Galas. Pair the apple slices with cheese (especially sharp cheddar), peanut butter (or other nut butter if your toddler has allergies) or in honor of Rosh Hashanah - honey, which we tried this weekend and LOVED! Here is a simple recipe for baked apples which sounds delicious and will make your house smell wonderful! Careful - they may be hot when they come out of the oven so let them cool before letting your young one dig in.
Spanish Words of the Week: el otoño = autumn, la hoja = leaf, los colores = colors
Do It Myself: Gathering Leaves - Now that there are so many things on the ground, you can send your toddler out into the yard or at the park to collect pretty leaves, acorns, seed pods, small pinecones, etc. and use these items for the activity below.
Activity of the Week: Autumn Nature Collage - This is an easy no-glue activity that uses contact paper for the back of the collage. If the items your toddler collected are too heavy for this, you can supervise them gluing onto colored construction paper or make a mobile out of the leaves by tying string to the leaves/pinecones, etc and hang them from a coat hanger.
Yoga Pose: Tree Pose - This pose is a little bit hard without practice so you can modify it by putting your foot on top of your other foot or putting your foot on your opposite calf. PS - My kids always liked the Yoga Kids series if you'd like more ideas for doing yoga with your toddler. Check it out here
Sign Language Sign of the Week: Tree and Leaf and Red and Yellow - If your toddler is still learning how to talk, sign language can be a great way for them to communicate. And as they get older, they'll pick up signs faster and it can be more of a fun thing versus a way to communicate.
Like we say every week - don't forget to give your toddler a hug and say "I love you" as many times a day as you can think of! You can never give them enough love. Talk to them, even though they may not talk back and read to them everyday - even if it's the cereal box at breakfast. Enjoy!