How to Encourage Language Development with Simple Fall Activities

Here at Fun First, we are always trying new activities; there is so much to learn through play! I've rounded up a few fall activities to do with children/clients that are not only engaging, but also encourage language development, and I can almost guarantee your littles won't even notice the educational spin amidst the fun!

Have you tried washing pumpkins with your little ones? You can add water to just about any activity for some extra engagement and fun. So, grab those left over pumpkins sitting on the porch, fill up a bucket of soap and water and wash away! This activity not only works on motor skills but can also foster language development and communication opportunities.

Here are some fun ways to talk about pumpkins before, during and after washing:

Use describing words: orange, small, round, soft, bumpy, smooth.

Model action words: wash, scrub, dry, pour! 

Model pronouns: My pumpkin, your pumpkin, our pumpkins!

Talk about the parts of a pumpkin: stem, outside/inside (cut them open for a hands-on adventure!), seeds, pulp, top/bottom, etc. 

Talk about opposites: clean/dirty, wet/dry, big/small.

Tip: use a dry erase marker to simply dirty up your pumpkins before “washing” them.

Another fun fall activity is a monster craft to go with two festive books “Go Away Big Green Monster” and its companion book “Nighty Night Little Green Monster” by Ed Emberly. 

These books are fantastic for working on body parts (eyes, ears, mouth, nose, hair, & more!) as well as descriptive language (little blue ears, big red nose, two tiny teeth). 

Get creative and create your own little or big monster and have your little one describe it to YOU!

I hope you have just as much fun with these activities as I have!

-Lexie Starnes, MA CCC-SLP