Free Secular Homeschool Unit Study Curriculum: Cozy Autumn
- Hannah Ward, M.Ed.
- Aug 29, 2024
- 43 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
Sherlock Homeschooling, Cozy Autumn Unit Study. Family Literature and Activity Guide. Sherlock Homeschooling provides secular homeschool curriculum for free - enjoy this community supported Cozy Autumn Unit Study.
Reading and learning together is one of the best things you can do as a family. Family reading helps with academic growth and supports mental well-being. Enjoying books with my kids is my favorite part of the day, and I hope you love it just as much as we do!
At Sherlock Homeschooling, our mission is to provide literacy building resources to any family, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that family learning is too important for anyone to miss out on.
As a community-supported curriculum, we rely on members like you to help spread the word about the benefits of family literacy. If you find this resource helpful, please consider telling others about it or leaving a review so that other families can learn about these resources too.
I love hearing your thoughts, ideas for future units, and stories about how reading together has impacted your family. Feel free to reach out to me at:
I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy learning,
Hannah Ward Sherlock Homeschooling Educational Designer
This is the free online version of the Cozy Autumn Unit Study.
You can download and print the PDF version at this link. It's available on a give-what-you-can basis. You can purchase a color printed coil-bound workbook of this unit study at this link.
You can also support the curriculum financially by buying me a coffee! Thank you. 😊
Click these links to jump to a section in the unit study: Introduction Hello, Harvest Moon Mooncakes Fall Leaves Leaf Man A Tree for All Seasons The Biggest Pumpkin Ever Pumpkin Soup
What is a unit study?
A homeschool unit study is a focused way to learn about a specific topic. Unit studies combine different subjects like reading, science, math, and art into one learning experience.
Instead of studying each subject separately, a unit study ties them all together around one theme. Unit studies are flexible, so you can adjust them to fit your family’s interests and learning styles.
Unit studies can include hands-on activities, projects, and field trips. Including a variety of experiences makes learning fun and memorable. This approach helps students see how different subjects connect and makes learning stick in a memorable way.
What are Sherlock Homeschooling Family Literacy Guides?
Sherlock Homeschooling Family Literacy Guides help your family learn together in fun and meaningful ways. Research shows that when families learn together, everyone benefits—kids, teens, and even adults.
These guides are for everyone in your family. Whether you have little ones, teens, or even grandparents, these guides will get everyone involved. You'll all work together on activities that make learning fun. Explore books, talk about what you read, and try hands-on projects.
The best time to use these guides is during holidays and seasonal changes throughout the year. Pair books and activities with holidays and what’s happening in your community. You can enjoy these activities at home and extend the fun by exploring your local community together.
Getting started is easy. Begin with a great book and the provided literature guide. Then, choose an activity that brings the story to life for your family.
What does the research say about learning together as a family?
Family literacy is more than just a fun activity; it’s a powerful tool for future success. Research shows that reading with young children helps their brain develop and strengthens the bond between parent and child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to start reading aloud to their children from infancy. This early reading builds language, literacy, and social skills that last a lifetime and sets the stage for lifelong learning.
The benefits of family literacy extend well beyond childhood. According to Life Literacy Canada, when families learn together, they build important skills like phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing. These skills are valuable for everyone in the family, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent, and they create a culture of lifelong learning in the home.
Children who grow up in families that prioritize literacy tend to do better in school. They score higher on reading tests and are more likely to continue their education.
The National Institute of Health found that a mother’s reading ability has a greater impact on her children’s academic success than factors like income or neighborhood.
Books and literacy also play a significant role in mental health. Research from Scholastic and the Yale Child Study Center shows that a love of reading can boost self-esteem, increase empathy, and reduce anxiety and depression. The Kids & Family Reading Report highlights how important it is to foster a love of reading, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. Reading can be a key factor in supporting children’s mental health and well-being.
Family literacy also strengthens family relationships. When families read together, tell stories, cook, talk, and enjoy activities together, they create emotional bonds and a supportive home environment. These shared experiences help families connect, laugh, and feel a sense of belonging and security. Family literacy also deepens connections to family history, values, and culture while offering a way to explore the customs and cultures of others around the world.
Where can I find the research?
Works Cited
ABC Life Literacy Canada. (n.d.). The 3 biggest impacts of family literacy. ABC Life Literacy Canada. https://abclifeliteracy.ca/news/the-3-biggest-impacts-of-family-literacy/
High, P. C., Klass, P., Donoghue, E., Glassy, D., DelConte, B., Earls, M., Lieser, D., McFadden, T., Mendelsohn, A., Scholer, S., Schulte, E. E., Takagishi, J., Vanderbilt, D., & Williams, P. G. (2014). Literacy promotion: An essential component of primary care pediatric practice. Pediatrics, 134(2), 404-409. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/134/2/404/32944/Literacy-Promotion-An-Essential-Component-of?autologincheck=redirected
National Institute of Health. (2011). The role of parents in children’s academic achievement. National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3083977/
Scholastic. (n.d.). Kids & family reading report. Scholastic. https://www.scholastic.com/content/corp-home/kids-and-family-reading-report.html
How do I use this guide?
Step 1: Planning Together
Start by getting everyone in the family excited about learning together. Sit down as a group and pick 3-5 picture books from this guide. These books are chosen to interest family members of all ages and will be the foundation of your learning time.
Next, choose activities from the guide that your family will enjoy. These could include cooking, crafts, games, discussions, research, movie nights, or even field trips. These activities will bring your seasonal learning to life, both at home and in your community.
Look for local events or places that connect with what you’re reading. This could mean planning a field trip or attending a special event that ties into your books and activities.
Make sure everyone helps with planning. This keeps everyone excited and involved. The experience is totally customizable, so make it as long or as short as you want. Every family’s experience will be unique.
Step 2: Reading Together
Before you read a book to the kids, read it yourself first. This will help you get ready and think about what to discuss.
Pick out vocabulary words from the list in the guide and talk about them before you read. This will make the story easier to understand. Connect the story to things your family already knows to help make it relatable.
When it’s time to read, gather in a quiet and comfortable spot. Turn off screens and silence phones so everyone can focus.
Encourage everyone to listen quietly, but also pause during the story to discuss and point out interesting details.
After you finish reading, have a discussion. Use the questions in the guide to spark conversation. Plan to read the book several times over a few days. Each time, you’ll notice new details. Let different family members read aloud, and use different questions to keep the experience fresh.
Step 3: Learning Together
Now it’s time to bring what you’ve read to life with fun and meaningful activities. You might be surprised how much your family can learn and remember by doing things like reciting poems or singing songs together. These activities will help make information stick and deepen your learning.
The activities in this guide are designed to build important skills like teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. As you do these activities, connect them back to the books you’ve read. You’ll see how everything ties together and reinforces what you’re learning.
Include activities that involve unique opportunities in your community and reflect your family’s interests. This will make the learning experience personal and create lasting memories for everyone.
How do I use the literature guides?
Choose a few books from the literature guide to read together as a family. Discuss vocabulary words from the provided list and talk about them to help everyone understand the story better.
Take turns letting different family members read the books aloud. Use fun voices for the characters to keep everyone engaged and make the story more enjoyable. Pause while reading to discuss the story, explain new words, and point out interesting parts of the illustrations.
Have a family discussion after reading. There are two sets of question ideas provided: one for the first reading and another for follow-up readings.
Read the books multiple times throughout your unit study to enjoy them more and better understand the story. As you read, notice how the books connect with each other. Talk about the similarities and differences between them.
There are activities related to each read-aloud book in this guide. Select activities that your family finds interesting to make real-world learning connections.
Literature Guides and Activities
Hello, Harvest Moon
Title: Hello, Harvest Moon
Author: Ralph Fletcher
Illustrator: Kate Kiesler
Date Published: 2017
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book Hello, Harvest Moon | Give-What-You-Can PDF Link
Cozy Autumn Unit Study | Color Printed Coil Bound Link What is this book about?
This book uses poetic language to describe a full moon in autumn. It shows how the moon affects the world around it, including plants, animals, and people.
Through vivid descriptions and comparisons, the book helps readers imagine the magical beauty of the harvest moon. It’s a great read for appreciating the changes of the season and how nature connects us all.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Look at the girl’s face as she’s looking at the harvest moon. How do you think she’s feeling? How do you feel when you see a big full beautiful moon?
Look at the light in the illustrations. How is the moon lighting up the environment in the night? What can you see during the harvest moon that you wouldn’t usually be able to see during a dark night?
What do you notice in the illustrations that show the inside of buildings? What is the moonlight touching inside?
What do you notice in the illustrations that show the outdoors? What is the moonlight touching outside?
What animals do you see in the story?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Crops: Plants grown by farmers, like corn or wheat, that can be used for food.
Silos: Tall buildings on farms where crops or feed are stored.
Radiance: A bright, shining light, like moonlight that glows in the night sky.
Nocturnal: Animals that are active at night and sleep during the day, like owls.
Cloaked: Covered or hidden by something, like a coat covering you.
Thermos: A special container that keeps drinks hot or cold for a long time.
Restless: Feeling unable to stay still or calm, like when you can’t sit quietly.
Lunar: Related to the moon.
Horizon: The line where the sky meets the land or sea, where it looks like the earth ends.
Harvest Moon: The full moon that happens closest to the time when crops are being gathered in the fall.
What discussions can we have before we read?
Have you ever observed how the moon changes night to night?
How does looking at the moon make you feel?
What differences have you noticed between day and night? What do you do during the day? What do you do at night?
Do you know anyone who works at night?
What discussions can we have after we read?
What nocturnal animals did you see in the book?
How did the full harvest moon change things in the book?
What community helpers and workers did you see in the story that work at night?
What changes happened to some of the plants at night under the harvest moon?
Activity: Moon Phase Experiment
Objective: Explore the phases of the moon through a fun basketball activity. This experiment helps understand moon phases and the concept of how the moon changes.
Learn About Moon Phases: Watch a video about the moon phases. Explain that the moon changes shape as it orbits the Earth. Research the different phases of the moon, such as new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, and full moon.
Prepare for the Experiment: Use a sports ball and a lamp. Set up a space where you can see how the light changes on the ball as you move it around.
Conduct the Experiment:
Place the lamp (sun) in a fixed position.
Move the ball (moon) around the lamp in a circle to simulate the moon’s orbit around the Earth.
Track how the illuminated part of the ball changes, reflecting the different moon phases. Note the positions where you see new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous, and full moon.
Record Observations: Write down observations about how the light on the ball changes. Draw a diagram showing the moon phases and explain how the moon’s position affects what we see from Earth.
Activity: Moon Calendar Craft
Objective: Create a calendar to track the phases of the moon throughout the month. This craft helps visualize the moon’s changing appearance and understand the lunar cycle.
Learn About Moon Phases: Research the different phases of the moon (new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, full moon) and learn how they occur throughout the month.
Prepare Your Materials: Gather a large sheet of paper or poster board, and colored pencils or markers. Consider using a ruler for neat lines and a reference chart for moon phases.
Create the Calendar: Design a calendar with boxes for each day of the month. Label the days and add moon phase pictures to each box based on the moon’s appearance. You can use reference charts to ensure accuracy. Consider adding notes about moon events (like the full moon names or lunar eclipses) and observations.
Activity: Nocturnal Animal Research
Objective: Explore and learn about nocturnal animals—animals that are active during the night. This research helps understand their behaviors and adaptations.
Learn About Nocturnal Animals: Research various nocturnal animals (such as owls, bats, and raccoons). Learn about their habits, why they are active at night, and how they find food and stay safe.
Choose Your Animals: Select a variety of nocturnal animals. Research their characteristics, diet, habitat, and any special features they have for nighttime living.
Gather Your Materials: Collect information from books, educational websites, and videos. You might need a notebook or digital document to record your findings.
Create Your Project: Create a poster or a presentation about the nocturnal animals. Include facts about their behavior, diet, habitat, and adaptations for nighttime life. Consider adding interesting details, such as how they use their senses to navigate and hunt at night.
Activity: Moonlight Stroll
Objective: Experience and enjoy the night sky by taking a moonlight stroll. Observe the moon and nighttime environment, and discuss what you see and feel.
Plan Your Stroll: Find a safe place to take a walk as a family where you can see the moon clearly. It could be a local park, your neighborhood, or a nature trail. Check the moon’s phase and rise time. Try to go out when the moon is visible and the sky is clear.
Observe the Moon and Night Sky: Look up at the moon and talk about its shape and brightness. Ask questions like “What does the moon look like tonight?” and “Can we see any stars or clouds?” Consider using a moon phase app or a star chart to identify different stars or constellations.
Discuss Your Observations: Talk about what you see and how it makes you feel. Share any favorite parts of the walk or interesting things you noticed.
Mooncakes
Title: Mooncakes
Author: Loretta Seto
Illustrator: Renne Benoit
Date Published: 2017
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
What is this book about?
Mooncakes is a story that brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, to life. In this book, a family gathers to celebrate by eating mooncakes, drinking tea, and watching the night sky together. As they enjoy these traditions, Mama and Baba share ancient Chinese folktales.
They tell stories about a magical tree that can never be cut down, the Jade Rabbit who lives on the moon, and a brave woman's journey to eternal life.
This book highlights the importance of family and offers a glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Describe the moon festival decorations.
Describe what the mooncakes look like. How do they look similar to cakes you’ve eaten? How do they look different from cakes you’ve eaten?
What images do you see on the teapot?
How do the images on the teapot relate to the stories that Mama and Baba are telling?
How do you think the family members are feeling while they’re spending time together?
What do you notice in the illustrations where the family is sitting outside?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Baba (Chinese): A respectful term for "father" in Chinese.
Archer: A person who uses a bow and arrow to shoot at targets.
Elixir: A special liquid or potion that is believed to have magical powers, often used to heal or grant eternal life.
Palace: A large, fancy building where a king, queen, or important person lives.
Eternal: Something that lasts forever and never ends.
Hermit: A person who lives alone, far away from other people, often in the mountains or a forest.
Jade: A green stone that is often used to make jewelry or ornaments, and is highly valued in Chinese culture.
Magician: A person who can perform magic or tricks that seem impossible, often using special skills or illusions.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What do you think a Moon Festival is?
What do you know about Chinese culture?
What do you know about Chinese holidays?
What do you think a mooncake looks like?
What do you think a mooncake tastes like?
What discussions can we have after we read?
Which Moon Festival story was your favorite?
How would you plan a Moon Festival celebration?
What holidays do you celebrate in autumn with your family?
How are the autumn holidays that you celebrate in your culture similar to the Moon Festival? How are the autumn holidays that you celebrate in your culture different than the Moon Festival?
Activity: Research the Moon Festival
Objective: Learn about the Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, and explore its traditions, stories, and cultural significance.
Research Together: Find out about the Moon Festival's history, traditions, and celebrations. Use reliable sources like educational institutions or well-known organizations. Avoid unreliable or biased sites.
Adjust to Age Levels: Young Children: Look at simple stories, pictures of mooncakes, and the full moon. Look for pictures of families celebrating the Moon Festival. What do you see in the pictures?
Older Kids and Teens: Explore deeper topics like the legend of Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit. Study the festival’s cultural and historical significance. How is the festival celebrated today?
Family Discussion: Share what you learned. Take notes or draw pictures about what you learned in your research and what other family members shared with you.
Activity: Make a Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern
Objective: Create a lantern to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and learn about its cultural significance.
Materials Needed:
Colored paper or construction paper
Scissors
Glue or tape
Ruler
Pencil
String or yarn (for hanging)
Markers, stickers, or other decorations (optional)
Instructions:
Cut the Paper: Cut a piece of colored paper into a rectangle. A good size is about 8 inches by 12 inches.
Draw and Cut Slits: Use the ruler and pencil to draw lines about 1 inch apart along the length of the rectangle, leaving a border on each side. Carefully cut along these lines, stopping at the borders.
Shape the Lantern: Fold the top and bottom edges inward to create a rim. Roll the paper into a cylinder shape and tape or glue the ends together to form the lantern’s body. Use tape or glue to secure the paper in a shape you like.
Add a Handle: Cut a strip of paper to use as a handle. Attach it to the top of the lantern with glue or tape.
Decorate: Use markers, stickers, or other decorations to add designs to your lantern. You can draw moon motifs, stars, or other festival-related images.
Display: Hang your lantern using string or yarn. Place it where everyone can see and enjoy it.
Activity: Act Out a Moon Festival Story
Objective: Bring a Moon Festival story to life by acting it out with your family.
Choose a Story: Select a story related to the Moon Festival. It could be the legend of Chang’e, the Jade Rabbit, or any other tale from the festival. Find a version of the story that suits your family’s age levels.
Prepare: Read the story together. Discuss the main characters and events. Decide who will play each role and what props or costumes you might need. Simple items like scarves or hats can be used as costumes.
Act It Out: Take turns acting out the story. Use your voices and movements to portray the characters and events. Encourage everyone to be creative and have fun with their roles.
Activity: Mid-Autumn Festival Tea Party
Fall Leaves
Title: Fall Leaves
Author: Loretta Holland
Illustrator: Elly MacKay
Date Published: 2014
Book Type: Non-Fiction - Picture Book - Poetry
What is this book about?
This book uses playful language to explore autumn. It shows how the season changes and highlights the science behind it.
Through poetic and fun wordplay, the book discusses things like falling leaves, bird migration, and weather changes. It also features informational text about nature, including how animals and plants prepare for winter. This book is a blend of art and science.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
What plants do you see in the illustrations? How is the autumn weather changing these plants?
What animals do you see in the illustrations? What are the animals doing? Why are they doing it?
Notice the clothing that the characters are wearing in the illustrations. Why did the illustrator choose that type of clothing? How is that clothing helpful to wear in the autumn weather? How is it different from clothing that they might wear in the summer?
What colors do you see in the story? What colors do you think of when you imagine autumn?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Perennials: Plants that live for many years and come back every spring, like roses or daisies.
Ripened: When fruit or vegetables are fully grown and ready to eat.
Produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, that come from farms.
Deciduous: Trees or plants that lose their leaves in the fall and grow new ones in the spring.
Chlorophyll: The green substance in plants that helps them make food from sunlight.
Temperature: How hot or cold something is, like the warmth of a sunny day or the chill of a cold wind.
Chimney: A pipe on a house that lets smoke from a fireplace go outside.
Moisture: Small amounts of water, like the dampness you feel on a rainy day.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What is the autumn season like where you live?
How do plants change in fall where you live?
How do animals change in fall where you live?
How does the weather change in fall where you live?
What clothing do you wear in the fall?
What discussions can we have after we read?
What was the autumn season like in the book?
How did plants change in the fall in the book?
How did animals change in the fall in the book?
How did weather change in the fall in the book?
What clothing did the characters in the book wear in the fall?
Activity: Leaf Imprints with Crayon
Objective: Create beautiful leaf imprints using crayons to learn about the texture and shape of different leaves.
Materials Needed:
Crayons: Choose a few different colors.
Paper: Use white or light-colored paper for the best results.
Leaves: Collect various leaves from outside. Choose different shapes and sizes for variety.
Create the Imprints:
Place a leaf under a piece of paper.
Use a crayon to gently rub over the paper where the leaf is underneath. The leaf’s shape and veins will show up on the paper.
Repeat with different leaves and colors to create a collection of leaf imprints.
Activity: Research Fall Around the World
Objective: Learn about how fall (autumn) is experienced in different parts of the world, including different hemispheres.
Gather Information: Research information about fall in various countries. Look at how the season changes and how people celebrate fall around the world. Look for basic differences in how fall is experienced in the Northern Hemisphere versus the Southern Hemisphere. Make sure to use trustworthy sources like educational websites or well-known organizations. Avoid sources that look unreliable or biased.
Discuss and Compare: Compare and contrast how fall is experienced in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Discuss differences in weather, daylight hours, and cultural traditions. What time of the year is considered to be fall in each hemisphere? Why does autumn occur in different months around the world?
Activity: Autumn Outfit Planning
Objective: Plan and create a stylish and practical autumn outfit for different activities.
Gather Information: Research autumn fashion trends and practical outfits for different activities.
Consider the Weather: Check the local weather forecast for fall. Plan outfits that are suitable for cool and changing temperatures. Include layers like sweaters and jackets that can be added or removed as needed.
Plan Your Outfit: Plan a complete autumn outfit for different occasions, like outdoor activities, or family gatherings. Think about comfort, style, and how to stay warm.
Activity: Autumn Observation Walk
Leaf Man
Title: Leaf Man
Author: Lois Ehlert
Illustrator: Lois Ehlert
Date Published: 2005
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book - Reference
What is this book about?
This book features a man made of leaves who is blown away by the wind and travels to different places. The story uses colorful photo collages and cut-out pages to illustrate his journey. It explores autumn and nature with a touch of fantasy.
The book includes photographic references to help identify different leaves. The text is written in poetic verse.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Look for the Leaf Man on each page. Is he on all of the pages or just some of the pages?
What plants and parts of nature were made using leaves?
What animals were made using leaves?
Look through the reference page in the back of the book naming the different types of leaves. Do a scavenger hunt to find each type of leaf in the book.
What colors do you see? How many different types of colors of leaves are in the book?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Travel: Going from one place to another, like taking a trip to a different city or country.
Marsh: A wet, grassy area where water collects, often with tall grasses and plants.
Drifting: Moving slowly and gently, like a leaf floating on water or a balloon blowing in the wind.
Orchard: A place where many fruit trees are planted, like an apple orchard.
Prairie: A large, flat area with grasses and few trees, often found in open fields.
Meadow: A grassy area with lots of wildflowers, often found in the countryside.
Lonesome: Feeling sad because you are alone or missing company, like when no family is around.
Rustle: A soft, quick sound made by things moving or rubbing together, like leaves blowing in the wind.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What similarities have you noticed between leaves you’ve seen? What differences have you noticed between leaves you’ve seen?
What happens when the wind blows?
What happens when leaves fall?
Have you ever made nature art?
What discussions can we have after we read?
What did you think about the illustration style?
How did the collage illustrations tell a story?
Have you ever used your imagination when looking at nature, like finding shapes in the clouds?
What repeated words and phrases did you notice in the text of the story?
Activity: Leaf Identification Walk
Objective: Learn about different types of leaves and how to identify them.
Plan Your Walk: Select a location with diverse tree species. Research which leaves you might find and prepare to identify them.
Gather Supplies: Bring a small bag or basket to collect leaves. Bring a leaf identification guide. Carry a notebook or journal for notes.
Observe and Collect: Young Children: Look for different shapes, sizes, and colors of leaves. Collect a few interesting leaves to identify.
Identify Leaves: Talk about each leaf’s color and shape. Use your guide to identify each leaf. Discuss how to differentiate between similar leaves.
Activity: Make Leaf Art
Objective: Create artwork using leaves to explore colors, shapes, and textures.
Gather Supplies: Collect a range of leaves. You'll need paper, paint, brushes, glue, and possibly other craft supplies like glitter or colored pencils.
Prepare the Leaves: Press leaves to flatten them, or use fresh leaves for more texture. Explore different ways to prepare the leaves for art, such as painting or pressing.
Create Leaf Art: Experiment with art projects like leaf prints with paint, or make leaf collages with patterns and designs. Try arranging leaves to create pictures or patterns.
Activity: Research Nature Inspired Art
Objective: Learn about art that is inspired by nature and explore how nature influences artistic creativity.
Research Together: Look at pictures of nature-inspired art together. Explore different art forms like painting, sculpture, and photography that are inspired by nature. Look for examples from famous artists and discuss how nature influences their work. Use trustworthy websites for research. Reliable sources include museum websites, educational institutions, and well-known art organizations. Avoid sites that seem unreliable or biased.
Explore Different Types of Nature-Inspired Art: Investigate different styles and techniques used in nature-inspired art, such as impressionism, realism, or abstract art. Look into how artists use elements from nature in their work, like textures and patterns.
Activity: Leaf in the Wind Experiment
A Tree for All Seasons
Title: A Tree for All Seasons
Author: Robin Bernard
Illustrator: (photographs - National Geographic)
Date Published: 2001
Book Type: Non-Fiction - Picture Book
What is this book about?
This non-fiction picture book shows how a sugar maple tree changes throughout the seasons. It uses real photographs to take you through the tree’s life cycle, from spring to winter. You’ll see how the leaves grow and change colors, how the tree helps animals, and how it plays a part in making maple syrup.
The book also explains the science behind these changes, making it easy for kids to understand how the tree adapts to different weather and seasons. It’s a great way for children to learn about nature and the life of a tree.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Observe the autumn colors in the photographs. What are all the colors that you see?
How do colors change in the various seasons?
How does the clothing that people wear in various seasons change throughout the photographs?
Compare the size of the maple trees shown in the photographs to other things appearing in the photographs (such as children, cars, houses etc.).
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Maple: A type of tree with leaves that turn bright colors in the fall and produce sweet syrup.
Bare: Branches without any leaves on them.
Sap: A watery liquid inside a tree that helps it grow.
Syrup: A thick, sweet liquid made from tree sap, often used on pancakes.
Taps: Small tubes put into a tree to get sap for making syrup.
Tassels: Tiny, hanging flowers on a tree that look like little strings.
Samara: A small, winged seed from a maple tree that spins like a helicopter when it falls.
Roots: The parts of a tree that grow underground and help it stand tall and get water.
Bark: The outside covering of a tree that protects it, like its skin.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What color changes have you seen during autumn?
Have you ever eaten maple syrup?
Have you ever watched leaves fall off of trees?
What discussions can we have after we read?
Describe how the maple tree changed throughout the seasons.
What was the maple syrup made from? How did they get it out of the tree?
What was your favorite season that was shown in the photographs? Why was it your favorite?
Have you ever seen a maple tree?
How are maple trees useful to people? How are maple trees useful to animals?
Activity: Research Maple Syrup
Objective: Learn how maple syrup is made and the process of tapping maple trees.
Research How Maple Syrup is Made: Look up information about how maple syrup is made. Find out how sap is collected from maple trees and how it is turned into syrup. You can use books, websites, or videos for your research. When is the sap collected? What regions do maple syrup come from? Where can you buy maple syrup?
Watch a Video (Optional): Watch a video or documentary about maple syrup production. Look for a video that shows the process from tapping the trees to boiling the sap into syrup. You can find these videos on YouTube or other educational platforms.
Discuss as a Family: Share what you learned about making maple syrup. Talk about the steps involved, the equipment used, and why the process is important. Discuss any interesting facts you discovered during your research.
Activity: Cooking with Maple Syrup
Objective: Enjoy making and tasting pancakes with maple syrup, and learn to identify different flavors.
Gather Ingredients and Supplies:
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Maple syrup
Supplies:
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet or griddle
Pancake flipper
Make Pancake Batter:
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Some lumps are okay.
Cook Pancakes:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
Serve the pancakes with maple syrup.
Participate Together: Children: Help with mixing the batter, measuring ingredients, and pouring the batter onto the skillet (with supervision). Older children can help flip the pancakes. Adults: Handle the hot skillet and ensure safety.
Guided Tasting Discussion: Try the pancakes with syrup. Note the flavors and describe the taste using a variety of adjectives.
Activity: Canadian Flag Research
Objective: Learn about the Canadian flag and the significance of the maple leaf.
Research Together: Look up how the maple leaf became a symbol of Canada and why it is on the Canadian flag. You can use reliable sources like educational websites or library books. Research the design of the Canadian flag, including its colors, shapes, and what they represent.
Explore the Maple Leaf: Find out why the maple leaf is important to Canada. Look for information about maple trees and their role in Canadian culture.
Create a Simple Project: Make a drawing or craft of the Canadian flag and the maple leaf. Use red and white paper or markers to create your flag.
Activity: Photographing Autumn Trees
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
Title: The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
Author: Steven Kroll
Illustrator: Jeni Bassett
Date Published: 1993
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
The Biggest Pumpkin Ever | Give-What-You-Can PDF Link Cozy Autumn Unit Study | Color Printed Coil Bound Link
What is this book about?
This book is about two mice who each secretly help a pumpkin grow into "the biggest pumpkin ever," but for different reasons.
The story covers how pumpkins grow from seeds, their lifecycle, and the process of caring for them. It shows how pumpkins start as tiny seeds, grow into plants, and develop into large pumpkins over time.
The book also highlights how the mice work together, even though they don’t know what the other is doing. It includes themes of cooperation and teamwork. This sweet story touches on pumpkin growing contests, showing the excitement of growing and showcasing a big pumpkin.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Notice how big the pumpkin is compared to the other things around it as it continues to grow throughout the story.
How big was the pumpkin compared to the other pumpkins in the contest?
How are the mice reacting to what they see in the story? What words would you use to describe their facial expressions?
Do these mice live like normal mice? How are they different than normal mice? What do they wear? What do their homes look like? What jobs do they have? What vehicles do they drive?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Discovered: Found something that was hidden or not known before.
Fertilizer: A special substance added to the soil to help plants grow better.
Manure: Animal waste used as a natural fertilizer to help plants grow.
Enormous: Very, very big; huge.
Contest: A game or event where people compete to see who is the best at something.
Jack-o'-lantern: A pumpkin with a face carved into it and a light inside, often used for Halloween.
Admire: To look at something and think it is wonderful.
Celebration: A special time when people come
together to have fun and mark a special occasion or event.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What is the biggest pumpkin you’ve ever seen?
Do you have any ideas about what you could do to help a pumpkin grow big?
What are pumpkins used for?
Have you ever grown something before?
What discussions can we have after we read?
What did Clayton and Desmond want to do with the pumpkin?
How would you get a pumpkin that big to a contest?
What do you think would have happened if they hadn’t decided to work together?
What would you do with a giant pumpkin?
Activity: Research Pumpkin Growing Contests
Objective: Learn about pumpkin growing festivals by exploring how they celebrate pumpkins, what happens at these events, and their importance in different communities.
Research Together: Learn how people grow giant pumpkins and enter them into contests. Use reliable sources like educational websites, or trusted organizations. Avoid sites that seem unreliable or biased.
Adjust to Age Levels: Young Children: Focus on pictures and simple facts about the biggest pumpkins and how people celebrate with them. Older s and Teens: Explore more details about the history of these festivals, the competition rules, and the science behind growing giant pumpkins.
Family Discussion: Share what each of you learned. Talk about the different activities at these festivals, like pumpkin weigh-offs and parades. Compare it to any harvest festivals your family might know.
Activity: Pumpkin Dissection
Objective: Explore the inside of a pumpkin to learn about its parts and how pumpkins grow.
Prepare Your Pumpkin: Choose a pumpkin together. Place it on a sturdy surface.
Open the Pumpkin: Cut open the top of the pumpkin (parents can help with this step). Look inside and talk about what you see.
Explore the Parts: Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Talk about how pumpkins have seeds that can grow into new pumpkins. Identify the different parts like the seeds, pulp, and rind. Discuss how each part helps the pumpkin grow. Research the life cycle of a pumpkin and how each part of the pumpkin plays a role in its growth.
Discussion: What did you find inside the pumpkin? How do the seeds feel? What does the inside smell like? Discuss how the seeds can be planted to grow new pumpkins. Talk about the process from seed to pumpkin.
Activity: Jack-O-Lantern Shadow Puppets
Objective: Create shadow puppets using jack-o'-lantern designs for a fun, creative family activity.
Materials Needed:
Paper
Scissors
Pencils or markers
A flashlight or a lamp
Instructions:
Design Your Puppets: Draw simple jack-o'-lantern faces on the paper. You can make spooky, silly, or traditional designs. Older kids and adults can create more detailed designs, while younger kids can keep it simple.
Cut Out the Puppets: Carefully cut out the shapes you drew, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Make the Shadow Show: Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight or lamp onto the puppets, projecting their shadows onto a wall. Take turns making up stories with your shadow puppets.
Activity: Make a Pumpkin Lifecycle Chart
Pumpkin Soup
Title: Pumpkin Soup
Author: Helen Cooper
Illustrator: Helen Cooper
Date Published: 1999
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
What is this book about?
In this book, Cat, Squirrel, and Duck are friends who work together to make a pumpkin soup. As they prepare the soup, they argue about who should do each job.
Their arguing almost causes Duck to leave, which would end their friendship. The story shows how important it is to cooperate, share tasks, and work as a team.
Set in autumn, the book highlights the fun and challenges of cooking together, and it’s a great read for learning about friendship and teamwork.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
Point out the environmental text in the book. (Example: the sign on the duck’s restaurant).
What do you see in the cabin? What items in the cabin do you think belong to each of the animals that live there? What items do you think the animals share?
What do you see at the duck’s restaurant? How is it similar to a restaurant you’ve been to? How is it different?
What do you see as the animals are walking through the woods? Do you think the woods like a nice place to walk, or do they look like a scary place to walk? What words would you use to describe the woods in this story?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Cabin: A small, simple house, usually made of wood and in the woods or countryside.
Bagpipe: A musical instrument that makes a loud, droning sound. It has pipes and a bag you squeeze.
Banjo: A musical instrument with a round body and strings that you pluck to make music.
Pipkin: A small pot used for cooking.
Slurp: To drink or eat something noisily, like soup, by making a sucking sound.
Embroidered: Decorated with colorful thread using stitched designs or patterns, like on a quilt.
Sobbed: Cried a lot with loud, shaking breaths.
Plodded: Walked slowly and heavily, like you're moving through something thick or heavy.
What discussions can we have before we read?
Have you ever eaten anything with pumpkin in it?
What do you think pumpkin soup tastes like?
Do you have a favorite type of soup?
What’s something you’re good at?
Does your family have a special recipe you all enjoy?
What discussions can we have after we read?
Why did Duck leave the cabin?
How would the story have changed if the animals shared better?
What do you think would have happened if the friends would have talked to Duck at his restaurant?
Did the animals learn the lesson about sharing by the end of the story?
Activity: Family Cooking - Pumpkin Soup
Objective: Cook pumpkin soup together as a family and enjoy a warm meal while learning about cooking and teamwork.
Cozy Cabin Pumpkin Soup Ingredients:
1 small pumpkin or 2 cups of canned pumpkin
1 onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk or cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor
Gather Ingredients: Help gather the ingredients and place them on the counter. All family members can help with measuring and preparing the ingredients.
Prepare the Pumpkin: If using a fresh pumpkin, kids can help scoop out the seeds (with supervision). Cut the pumpkin into chunks (with adult supervision), or open the can of pumpkin if using canned.
Cook the Soup: In a large pot, cook the chopped onion in a little oil until soft. Add the pumpkin and broth to the pot. Kids can help with stirring and ensuring the soup doesn’t boil over. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender (if using fresh pumpkin). Blend the soup until smooth (use a hand blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender).
Finish the Soup: Stir in the milk or cream. Add salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste. Younger children can help with the final stirring and taste testing. Older kids can adjust seasoning and help with serving.
Activity: Explore Banjo and Bagpipe Music
Objective: Discover the unique sounds of bagpipe and banjo music, learn about their origins, and enjoy listening to traditional songs.
Introduction to Instruments: Look at pictures of bagpipes and banjos. Talk about how they look and how they might sound. Research the origins of bagpipes and banjos. Learn where they come from and how they are used in different types of music.
Listen to Music: You can find songs online or watch a video of someone playing the instruments. You can find some videos on YouTube that showcase these instruments in action.
Compare the Sounds: Talk about how the bagpipe and banjo sound different. Which one do they like better? Why? Discuss the characteristics of each instrument’s sound. How does the bagpipe’s sound differ from the banjo's sound? Which types of music do they think suit each instrument?
Activity: Working Together Game
Objective: Practice teamwork and collaboration by playing a game that requires everyone to work together.
Choose a Game: Pick a cooperative game where players work as a team to achieve a goal. Examples include "The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game" or "Count Your Chickens."
Set Up the Game: Explain that the goal is to work together to win, not just to play individually. Show them how each person’s actions help the team.
Play the Game: Encourage everyone to share ideas and support each other. Focus on communication and collaboration. Discuss how decisions are made together and how each person’s input contributes to the team’s success.
Reflect After Playing: Talk about how it felt to work as a team. Ask them what they enjoyed about helping each other and working together. What did you learn about teamwork?
Activity: Design a Pumpkin-Themed Restaurant
The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
Title: The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night
Author: (traditional folksong)
Illustrator: Peter Spier
Date Published: 2014
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night | Give-What-You-Can PDF Link Cozy Autumn Unit Study | Color Printed Coil Bound Link
What is this book about?
This book tells the story of a fox who travels through the New England countryside to find dinner for his family. The book is filled with illustrations that show the beautiful fall scenes and farm animals in the area.
The story is written in a folk song style with rhyming and repetition, making it enjoyable to read aloud. Sheet music for the song is provided in the back of the book.
The book features colorful pictures and is a great example of children's literature that combines poetry with storytelling. It’s a Caldecott Honor book, which means it’s recognized for its outstanding illustrations.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
What do you see in the forest? Point out the buckets hanging on the maple trees. What do you think those buckets are there for?
What do you see in the town? How would you describe the town? How is the town different from where you live? How is the town similar to where you live?
What do you see on the farm? What buildings do you see on the farm? What plants are growing on the farm? What animals are living on the farm?
What do you see in the fox’s den? Do they live like normal foxes?
Point out the environmental text throughout the story (examples: signs, text on monuments, etc.).
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Chilly: A little bit cold. It makes you want to put on a jacket.
Penned: When animals are kept in a small area with a fence around them.
Grease: A slippery, oily substance used for cooking or to make things move more easily.
Dangle: To hang down loosely and swing a little.
Shrill: A very high and loud sound that can hurt your ears.
Den: A cozy place where an animal, like a fox, lives and sleeps.
Strife: Lots of problems or fighting between people.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What do foxes eat?
How do you think a farmer would feel about a fox eating one of his animals?
If you were a farmer how would you keep a fox away from your animals?
If you were a fox how would you find something to eat?
What discussions can we have after we read?
How do you think the fox felt about his fox cubs being hungry?
How do you think the goose felt when it was caught by the fox?
How do you think the farmer and his wife felt when they saw the fox?
How do you think the fox cubs felt when they saw what their father brought home to their den?
Activity: Sing “Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night”
Objective: Enjoy singing the folk song "Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night" as a family, and explore its story and music.
Listen to the Song: Find a version of "Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night" on YouTube. A great option is the one sung by a homeschool mom on the channel "folksandhymns." Listen to the song together as a family.
Sing Along: Use the sheet music in the back of the book to sing the song together. Try singing the entire song and pay attention to the story it tells.
Discuss the Story: Talk about the story in the song. What happens to the fox? Why does he go out on a chilly night? Discuss details about what the fox is doing. Explore the themes of the song and how it reflects life in the countryside.
Explore the Music: Look at the sheet music in the book. Notice the notes and rhythm. Point out the music notes and how they guide the singing.
Activity: Fox Research
Objective: Learn about foxes by researching their habits, habitats, and characteristics as a family.
Start Your Research: As a family, gather information about foxes. Look up where they live, what they eat, and how they survive in the wild. Make sure to use trustworthy websites, like educational or wildlife sites, to get accurate information.
Learn Together: Young Children: Focus on basic facts like what foxes look like, what they eat, and where they live. Older Kids and Teens: Explore more detailed topics like the different types of foxes, how they hunt, and their role in the ecosystem. You can also explore how foxes are represented in literature and folklore.
Activity: STEM Challenge - Protecting Livestock from Foxes
Objective: Design a way for farmers to keep their livestock safe from foxes using creativity and problem-solving skills.
Understand the Problem: As a family, start by discussing why farmers need to protect their livestock, like chickens, sheep, or goats, from foxes. Talk about how foxes might try to get into barns or pens to hunt for food.
Research Together: Look up different ways farmers currently protect their livestock from predators like foxes. Check out educational websites, farming blogs, or animal safety guides to gather ideas.
Design Your Solution: Draw a picture or make a model of your design.
Test and Improve: If possible, test your design using toys or small models to see if it could work. Discuss how you might improve your design based on what you learned from the test.
Activity: Design a Family Fox Den
Winter is Coming
Title: Winter is Coming
Author: Tony Johnston
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Date Published: 2014
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
Winter is Coming | Give-What-You-Can PDF Link Cozy Autumn Unit Study | Color Printed Coil Bound Link
What is this book about?
This beautifully illustrated nature book shows how animals in the forest prepare for winter. Each day, from September through November, you see different animals like foxes, bears, and deer searching for food as the weather gets colder.
The book offers a peaceful look at how animals adapt to the changing seasons, making it a great inspiration for nature journaling. With its poetic language and detailed art, it's a wonderful way for children to learn about wildlife and the transition from autumn to winter.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
What animals do you see?
What plants do you see?
What clues do you see that show you how the weather is changing in the illustrations?
What sketches do you see in the girl’s sketch books?
What autumn colors do you see in the illustrations?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Clearing: An open space in the forest where there are no trees.
Snuffle: A soft sound made by animals when they sniff around.
Roam: To walk or move around without a specific place to go.
Scrounge: To search for food or something to eat.
Gnawing: Chewing on something, usually something hard like wood.
Chattering: A quick, repeated sound, like the noise squirrels make when they're excited or talking to each other.
Brittle: Something that is hard but can break easily, like dry leaves.
Prowling: Moving quietly and secretly, like a cat looking for food.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What seasonal changes have you seen in winter?
What seasonal changes have you seen in spring?
What seasonal changes have you seen in summer?
What seasonal changes have you seen in autumn?
What is your favorite season?
What discussions can we have after we read?
Have you ever drawn in a nature journal?
What were your favorite animals that you saw in the story?
What would have happened if the girl in the story would have been loud instead of quiet and patient?
Would you like to watch animals like the girl in the story?
Activity: Autumn Nature Journaling
Objective: Observe and document the changes in nature during autumn through writing and sketches.
Get Your Journal Ready: Choose a notebook or create a homemade journal with blank pages. Bring along pencils, crayons, or colored pencils for drawing.
Explore and Observe: Go outside and take in the sights and sounds of autumn. Notice the colors, the falling leaves, the animals, and how the weather feels. Draw simple pictures of what you see, like leaves, animals, or trees. Write short descriptions of what you observe.
Share and Discuss: After your journaling session, gather as a family to share your writing and sketches. Talk about what everyone noticed and drew.
Activity: Autumn Animal Observation
Objective: Learn more about animals by observing their behavior and habitats, whether in nature or through videos.
Choose Your Observation Method: If you can, go outside to observe wild animals in your area. Look for birds, squirrels, or other wildlife. If there aren't wild animals nearby, watch a nature documentary or a YouTube video featuring forest animals in autumn.
Observe and Take Notes: Focus on simple things like What does the animal look like? What is the animal doing? Where is the animal? How does the animal move? Do you see it eating? How does it interact with its environment? Write down and sketch a few observations.
Activity: Local Conservation Area Exploration
Activity: Research an Animal from the Story
Objective: Learn more about one of the animals featured in the book Winter is Coming by researching its habits, habitat, and how it prepares for winter.
Choose an Animal: Pick one of the animals from the book, such as a fox, deer, skunk, or rabbit.
Research Together: As a family, look up information about the chosen animal. Use books, reliable websites, or documentaries. Learn information, such as how the animal prepares for winter, its habitat, and its behavior. Write a few sentences about what you discover.
The Leaf Thief
Title: The Leaf Thief
Author: Alice Hemming
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Date Published: 2021
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
What is this book about?
This book is about a squirrel who loves looking at the beautiful, colorful leaves in the fall. But every day, more and more leaves disappear, and Squirrel starts to think someone is stealing them!
The story is funny and playful, with Squirrel's misunderstanding adding humor. It also teaches children about why leaves fall off trees in autumn. The book is a fun way for kids to learn about nature, emotions, and the changing seasons.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
What plants do you see?
What animals do you see?
What facial expressions do you see on the animals? How do you think they’re feeling?
What autumn colors do you see in the illustrations?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Canopy: The top part of a tree where all the leaves are, like an umbrella made of leaves.
Ages: A very long time.
Relax: To rest and feel calm.
Disaster: A really bad thing that happens, causing a lot of damage or problems.
Thief: Someone who takes things that don't belong to them.
Rustles: Makes a soft, crackling sound like leaves moving.
Disturb: To bother or interrupt someone or something.
Steal: To take something that isn't yours.
Normal: Usual or regular, how things usually are.
What discussions can we have before we read?
Have you ever seen a squirrel?
What words would you use to describe a squirrel and how a squirrel acts?
What is stealing? What is a thief?
What happens to leaves in the autumn?
What happens to leaves when the wind blows?
What discussions can we have after we read?
What did the squirrel think happened to the leaves?
How did the bird help squirrel?
By the end of the book what was squirrel now worried about?
What else do you think the squirrel will be surprised about as the seasons change?
Activity: Squirrel Poem Exploration
Objective: Read and understand the poem "Whisky Frisky," and explore its rhythm, imagery, and fun language.
Read the Poem Together: Find a cozy spot where the family can sit together. Take turns reading the poem out loud. Read it a few times to get a feel for the rhythm and rhyme.
Discuss the Poem: Discuss the meaning of the poem. What do the words and phrases make you think of? Talk about the images the poem creates. How does it describe the animal and its actions Notice the rhyming words and the rhythm of the poem. How does it sound when read aloud?
Analyze the Poem: Describe what the animal in the poem is doing. What actions are mentioned? What feelings or moods does the poem express? Is it playful, funny, or something else?
Act Out the Poem: Can you act like the squirrel in the poem? What does the squirrel do?
Whisky Frisky by Anonymous
Whisky Frisky,
Hipperty hop,
Up he goes
To the tree top!
Whirly, twirly,
Round and round,
Down he scampers
To the ground.
Furly, curly,
What a tail,
Tall as a feather,
Broad as a sail.
Where's his supper?
In the shell.
Snappy, cracky,
Out it fell!
Activity: Bird and Squirrel Feeder
Objective: Create a bird and squirrel feeder to attract wildlife and observe them.
Make the Bird Feeder: Spread peanut butter over the outside of an empty toilet paper roll. Roll it in birdseed until it’s coated. Thread a piece of string through the roll and hang it from a tree branch or hook.
Make the Squirrel Feeder: If using a wooden box, attach it securely to a tree or post. Fill it with nuts or squirrel food. You can also use a small piece of wood or a platform feeder with food for the squirrels.
Place the Feeders: Choose a spot where you can easily observe the feeders, like a window view or backyard.
Observe and Record: Spend some time watching the birds and squirrels visit the feeders. Note which animals come and how they interact with the feeders. Draw pictures or write about what you see. You might want to note the types of birds and squirrels that visit.
Activity: Squirrel Video Observation
Activity: Research Types of Squirrels
Objective: Learn about different types of squirrels by researching their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors.
Research Together: Find reliable sources to learn about different types of squirrels. You can use books, educational websites, or videos. Focus on different types of squirrels, such as tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Find out where they live, what they eat, and how they behave.
Discuss What You Find: Talk about the differences and similarities between the types of squirrels you researched. Discuss where each type of squirrel lives and what they eat. How do their homes and food sources differ?
Create a Visual: Create a poster or drawing showing the different types of squirrels. Include pictures or illustrations, and write a few facts about each type. Label the different types and add information about their habitats and diets.
Rowan the Red Squirrel
Title: Rowan the Red Squirrel
Author: Lynne Rickards
Illustrator: Jon Mitchell
Date Published: 2018
Book Type: Fiction - Picture Book
Rowan the Red Squirrel | Give-What-You-Can PDF Link Cozy Autumn Unit Study | Color Printed Coil Bound Link
What is this book about?
This book is about two little squirrels, Rowan and Hazel, who live in a crooked old tree with their mom. Hazel is brave and loves to explore, while Rowan is shy and worries a lot. For the first time, they leave their home on their own and go on an exciting adventure in the woods. Rowan is nervous about the strange noises and remembers his mom's warning to watch out for the fox.
The story is told in rhymes and features beautiful watercolor pictures of Scottish wildlife. It's a sweet tale of two siblings discovering their own strengths.
What should I point out in the illustrations?
What animals do you see?
What plants do you see?
What facial expressions do you see on the animal characters? How do you think the animals are feeling?
What autumn colors do you see in the illustrations?
What vocabulary should I discuss?
Rowan: A type of tree with small red berries.
Hazel: A type of tree with nuts.
Thrilled: Very excited and happy.
Wee: Very small or tiny.
Scrabbling: Scratching or digging quickly with your hands or feet.
Quivering: Shaking slightly because of being cold, scared, or excited.
Lurking: Hiding quietly and watching.
Nervous: Feeling worried, scared, or unsure.
Glared: Stared at someone in an angry way.
Clung: Held on tightly to something or someone.
Brave: Not afraid to do something, even if it's scary.
Outsmarted: Tricked someone by being clever.
What discussions can we have before we read?
What do you know about squirrels? Do you know where they live? Do you know what they eat?
If you were a squirrel what would you be afraid of?
If you were a squirrel what would you do for fun?
What discussions can we have after we read?
How would you describe Hazel?
How would you describe Rowan?
How did Rowan and Hazel change by the end of the story?
What would have happened if Rowan and Hazel would have both been brave at the beginning?
What would have happened if Rowan and Hazel would have both been scared at the beginning?
Activity: Researching Red Squirrel Homes
Objective: Learn about the homes of red squirrels and understand how they live.
Research Together: Look up information about where red squirrels live. Search for keywords like “red squirrel homes,” “red squirrel nests,” or “red squirrel habitats.” Use reliable sources such as educational websites, nature organizations, or books. Avoid sources that seem unreliable or biased.
Read and Explore: Find out where red squirrels build their homes, what materials they use, and how their nests are constructed. Red squirrels often make nests in trees or find shelter in old nests of other animals.
Activity: As a family, make a simple model or drawing of a red squirrel's home. You can use materials like paper, cardboard, or natural items like twigs and leaves.
Activity: Act Out “Rowan the Red Squirrel”
Objective: Bring the story of "Rowan the Red Squirrel" to life by acting it out as a family.
Read the Story: Read "Rowan the Red Squirrel" as a family. Make sure everyone knows the main parts of the story. Talk about the main characters: Rowan, Hazel, and any other important figures in the story.
Plan Your Act: Decide who will play each character. Create a simple set using blankets, pillows, or other household items to represent the forest and Rowan's home.
Rehearse: Review important lines and scenes from the story. Practice acting out key moments, like Rowan and Hazel leaving their crooked tree and exploring the forest. Find or make simple props to help bring the story to life.
Perform: Perform the story for each other. You can take turns or work together as a group. Feel free to be creative with your acting. Add sound effects or use your own ideas to make the story more fun.
Activity: Animals of Scotland Research
Objective: Learn about different animals that live in Scotland by researching and sharing what you discover.
Choose Animals: Pick a few animals that are native to Scotland. Examples include red deer, highland cows, otters, and golden eagles. You can choose as many as you like.
Research: Use books, websites, or educational videos to learn about each animal. Look for facts like where they live, what they eat, and how they adapt to their environment. Make sure your sources are trustworthy, such as educational websites or nature organizations.
Create a Presentation: Write down interesting facts about each animal. You can include details about their habitat, diet, behavior, and any special features. Draw pictures or print photos of the animals. You can create a simple poster or a slideshow to show what you’ve learned.
Activity: Scottish Forest Blackberry Muffins
Objective: Cook delicious blackberry muffins together as a family and enjoy the process of baking.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup honey
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Have the kids help by lining a muffin pan with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Let the kids do the whisking!
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, honey and eggs together until well combined. This is a good task for the kids to practice their whisking skills.
Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula just until combined. Kids can help fold the ingredients together, but be careful not to overmix.
Add Blackberries: Gently fold in the blackberries. If using frozen blackberries, thaw them first.
Fill Muffin Pan: Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups. Let the kids scoop and pour the batter into the cups.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. While the muffins are baking, you can have the kids help clean up the kitchen.
Hannah Ward, M.Ed., is the homeschool mom and educational designer behind Sherlock Homeschooling and Little House Kindergarten. With years of experience teaching students from preschool to university, Hannah’s work is grounded in research-based principles and is designed to empower parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. She holds a Master of Education degree in Education Technology and Instructional Design, as well as a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership.
Hannah is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership and English. She lives in the Ozarks with her husband and three children, where she continues to create inspiring curriculum resources that support global literacy and community education.
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