By Boots on the Farm Consulting, LLC
October is the season of crisp mornings, falling leaves, and colorful harvests. In the early childhood setting, this is a wonderful time to connect children to the rhythms of the farm. Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples, and leafy greens are filling gardens and farmers markets, giving teachers and caregivers endless opportunities to spark curiosity and learning.
A sensory lesson this month might include letting children touch the bumpy skin of a pumpkin, smell fresh-picked herbs like rosemary, or taste a slice of sweet apple. These simple experiences support vocabulary development, fine motor skills, and healthy eating habits. Teachers can also encourage children to talk about the colors they see in fall produce or count seeds from a pumpkin to build early math skills.
Activity: Pumpkin Seed Counting & Planting
Supplies:
· A small pumpkin
· A spoon
· A tray or paper towel
· Small cups of soil (or garden space)
Instructions:
1. Cut open the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds with your children.
2. Rinse the seeds and spread them on a tray.
3. Have the children count the seeds for early math practice!
4. Plant a few seeds in cups of soil. Keep them by a sunny window and watch what happens over time.
This activity blends sensory play, counting practice, and science exploration which is perfect for October learning at centers or at home.
For Families Visiting the Farmers Market:
Fall is one of the best times to bring your young children to the farmer’s market. Markets are brimming with pumpkins, gourds, and colorful mums. Families can enjoy the crisp air, support local farmers, and make memories while exploring together.
Encourage your child to be a “produce detective.” Ask them to point out the brightest orange pumpkin, the longest sweet potato, or the roundest apple. These small interactions teach children observation skills and help them feel included in family shopping decisions. Don’t forget to ask farmers questions! Children love hearing directly from the people who grow their food.
To make the trip even more meaningful, focus on sensory learning:
· Touch: Invite your child to feel the rough skin of a gourd, the smooth surface of an apple, or the soft petals of mums. Talking about textures builds descriptive language.
· Sight: Notice the rainbow of colors: deep greens of collards, rich reds of apples, golden yellows of squash. Encourage your child to compare shapes and sizes, such as a tiny baby pumpkin versus a large carving pumpkin.
· Smell: Stop at an herb stand and let your child sniff fresh basil, rosemary, or mint. Ask them which smells they like best and why.
· Sound: Farmers markets are lively places. For instance, you could listen together for buzzing bees around honey jars, the chatter of families, or even a musician playing nearby. Ask your child to describe the sounds they hear.
· Taste: Many farmers offer samples. Let your child try a crisp apple slice, roasted peanuts, or a bit of fresh cheese. Talk about whether it tastes sweet, salty, sour, or crunchy.
By slowing down and engaging all five senses, a simple shopping trip becomes an interactive learning adventure. Your child will not only discover new foods but also build vocabulary, observation skills, and confidence in trying new things.
