Artistic Arrival Activity and CeCe’s “Hello Autumn: How are You?”
Start by placing pre-cut leaves on the tables. Children decorate with markers or crayons. Next, call friends to circle time with “Hello Autumn: How are You?” (sing to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”) Hello autumn, hello autumn, how are you, how are you? Time for cooler weather, time for coats and sweaters. Hello fall, hello fall. We welcome you. We welcome you.
Story Time – Set the Stage for Ms. CeCe’s Autumn Games and Design: Welcome Fall Read-Alouds
Next, share autumn with these fun fall books. Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen and Lucy Fleming. A grandfather and his granddaughter greet fall in this lovely read-aloud: “…Back home, we both had the same excellent idea about the leaf pile. ‘Hello, fall’ we said as we ran toward it, and fall replied. ‘Jump in!'” Let it Fall by Maryann Cocca-Lefler. “Let it fall! It’s autumn!” Autumn and fall are words used for this time of season. “Early mornings, crisp and cool…Mounds of color raked up high. Jump right in and watch the sky.” Full of Fall by author and photographer April Pulley Sayer. “September sun is low in the sky. So long summer. Green goodbye. One leaf. Another leaf. Colors surge…Hello yellow. Greetings gold. Oh – it’s orange, red be bold.”
Designing with Friends and a “Welcome Autumn” Movement Around the Circle
What might autumn look like? We’ll create fall with our friends today (cover tables with paper – secure by taping underneath). After designing fall with friends, sing CeCe’s “Hello Autumn: How Are You?” Invite children to join you, holding hands around the circle (singing to the tune of “Where is Thumbkin?”). Gather ’round the circle, gather ’round the circle, holding hands, holding hands. (The teacher takes the first turn, moving around the circle – singing “Hello Autumn: How are You?” Next, invite each friend to lead while singing—My Friend (Child’s name). Take the lead. Take the lead—My Friend (Child’s name). Take the lead.
CeCe’s “Fallen Leaves: “Hide and Seek” and “Leaf Pile”
Next, while children hide their eyes— place the leaves from the arrival activity (in plain sight). Then, each child will take a turn in placing the leaves. This game of hide and seek fallen leaves will become a fall favorite!
After that, play another fun favorite, “Leaf Pile!” Just a few leaves work best. While the teacher sings “Hello Autumn: How are You?” children pass leaves behind their backs. When the teacher stops singing, those children with leaves in hand – land in the middle of the circle – or the leaf pile!
Lastly, friends gather and share autumn art with the group.