It's time for pumpkins, leaves, apples…all the fall fun! It's my favorite time of year, and one of my favorite times to work at schools.
The fall season lends itself perfectly to lots of exciting themes and activities at school. For elementary-aged students, I love to incorporate books into my mobility sessions. Here are some of my favorite fall-themed books and gross motor activities to do along with them to get your students moving!
Ten Apples Up on Top!
This book is a fun way to inspire students to move. After reading the book, have students balance things on their heads like the silly animals in the story. I like to use bean bags, which are fairly easy to keep on your head.
Can you keep the bean bag on your head while sitting? Can you keep it on your head while walking? Squatting? Jumping? Going down a slide on the playground? The possibilities are endless!
Here is a song version of the book to help your students get up and move around the classroom.
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
Read this book about a pumpkin that got away and rolled through a town. After reading this, I like to take pumpkins out to the playground and roll them down the slide. Can the student carry the pumpkin up the stairs with 2 hands instead of using the handrail as a greater mobility challenge? Or for students who use wheelchairs, can they roll a small pumpkin down a ramp (maybe a piece of gutter for example.)? Or just have students roll around on the floor of the classroom!
We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt 
I like to use this book and stop throughout to have students do movements that correspond to the story. When the characters are marching along, we can stand up and walk or march in place. When they go under a waterfall, have students jump on pretend stepping stones across the classroom. Row across the lake the kids in the book. Set up chairs in a row and pretend to row across the lake together! When they see the skunk in the book, we can all pretend to run away!
To make it even more fun, bring some colorful fall leaves to the classroom, and have students collect them with each activity completed.
Hope you have a fun, and active, fall season!
Author: Sandi Arata
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog.