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fall crafts

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

November 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For the littles today, we’re crafting a pipe cleaner fall tree to celebrate the autumn season. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Fall is a beautiful time of the year. The air turns crisp, the leaves burst into fiery colors, and nature itself becomes a beautiful work of art

Do this fun pipe cleaner fall tree and your littles will never know they’re learning about the season changes as they develop their fine motor skills.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

And little fingers get a workout as they twist the tree and branches and create with the pony beads.

Besides, while your littles are crafting it leads to conversations about why leaves change colors, how trees prepare for winter and the importance of trees to earth.

Next, look at some of these fun fall books.

FALL BOOKS FOR KIDS

I prefer living books so I know you’ll love this roundup.

15 Fall Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

With a chill in the air and leaves falling, grab one or two of these fun books for your home library.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

A compilation of Native American speeches affirming the desire to live in spiritual and ecological harmony includes the words of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Cochise, covering such topics as fishing rights, peace treaties, and the devastation of their land.

Autumn Harvest

"Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."--New York Herald Tribune.

Autumn Leaves

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

These are the apples, juicy and red,that went in the pie,warm and sweet,that Papa baked...for guess who!

Sophie's Squash

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition |

Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

This reprint of a 1949 classic adds some recipes, a poem, and a bit of pie-history as well.

Dance Like a Leaf

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times  Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Down Buttermilk Lane

An Amish family, traveling by buggy, spends a day doing errands in the village, visiting, and returning home in time for supper

Fall Leaves

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Hooray for Fall!

Mama has a surprise for her three little squirrels: three bright red sweaters to keep them warm throughout the fall. Imagine the siblings’ surprise when they find that everything in the autumn woods—the leaves, the berries, even the setting sun—is red too, just like their sweaters.This celebration of a perfect fall day will have young and old alike looking for signs of autumn in their own neighborhoods. Kazuo Iwamura’s books celebrating the seasons (Hooray for Spring!, Hooray for Summer!, Hooray for Fall!, and Hooray for Snow!) are perennial favorites—introducing children to the beauty and joy of each season. Iwamura masterfully captures the small wonders of nature in his illustrations and his stories with their gentle humor warm the heart.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

The perfect Fall book for kids! A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us.

Maple & Willow Apart

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution. Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

School bells and apples and big ripe pumpkins-all the pleasures of fall come alive in this newly reissued classic by award winner Lois Lenski. First published in 1948, Now It's Fall is a timeless celebration of autumn that will enchant a whole new generation of young readers with its gently recolored illustrations.

Next, look at more pipe cleaner crafts.

MORE PIPE CLEANER CRAFTS

  • How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft
  • How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Monkey | Howler Monkey Fun Facts
  • Fun Anatomy Activities For High School & How To Make An Easy Skin Layer Model
  • The World Of Slimy Insects: Snails Versus Slugs Unique Comparison
  • Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Too, look at more fall craft ideas for preschool.

FALL CRAFT IDEAS FOR PRESCHOOL

  • Fall Y’all:Pumpkin Pie in a Bag (Easy Homeschool Co-op Idea)
  • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout
  • Make Cute Felt Leaf Sachets For Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers
  • How To Make Confetti Fall Leaves Crafts For Preschoolers
  • 10 Fall Felt Crafts & How to Make a Kids Felt Pie Garland
  • Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage
  • How To Craft An Adorable Leaf Paper Plate Mask
How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

Finally, look at how to make this fun fall tree.

PIPE CLEANER FALL TREE FINE MOTOR ACTIVITY

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Brown pipe cleaners
  • Pony beads in fall colors (red, orange, yellow, green)
How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

Twist a few brown pipe cleaners together to form the trunk of the tree.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

Leave several ends sticking out at the top to create branches.

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

At the bottom, bend and spread out the pipe cleaners to make a sturdy “stand” so the tree can stand upright.

Invite kids to thread the fall-colored pony beads

How To Make A Pipe Cleaner Fall Tree

Benefits:

Seasonal learning – A hands-on way to talk about autumn leaves, colors, and changes in nature.

Fine motor skills – Threading beads onto pipe cleaners strengthens finger muscles and hand-eye coordination.

Creativity – Kids can design their tree however they like, experimenting with colors and patterns.

Focus and patience – Sliding small beads takes concentration, encouraging calm, mindful play.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, preschool, preschool skills

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

October 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an adorable spoon and stick scarecrow craft for kids they’ll love. Also, there is a free template. Too, look at my free unit study and lapbook Fall Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Scarecrows have a long history in farming and gardening.

And they were once used to protect crops from hungry birds. Crafting a miniature scarecrow gives children a chance to learn about the seasons, farming, and how food grows.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Too, with this spoon and stick scarecrow and a few ingredients, your children learn how to reuse materials. This is a fun craft to include both preschool and kindergarten kids.

The spoon and stick scarecrow once created is so adorable it can be used for storytelling.

Besides, cutting fabric, and gluing tiny details all help children practice fine motor control. Fine motor skills are essential to strengthen for learning to write.

BOOKS FOR KIDS WHO LOVE FALL

Additionally, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite fall books kids will love.

15 Fall Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

With a chill in the air and leaves falling, grab one or two of these fun books for your home library.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

A compilation of Native American speeches affirming the desire to live in spiritual and ecological harmony includes the words of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Cochise, covering such topics as fishing rights, peace treaties, and the devastation of their land.

Autumn Harvest

"Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."--New York Herald Tribune.

Autumn Leaves

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

These are the apples, juicy and red,that went in the pie,warm and sweet,that Papa baked...for guess who!

Sophie's Squash

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition |

Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

This reprint of a 1949 classic adds some recipes, a poem, and a bit of pie-history as well.

Dance Like a Leaf

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times  Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Down Buttermilk Lane

An Amish family, traveling by buggy, spends a day doing errands in the village, visiting, and returning home in time for supper

Fall Leaves

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Hooray for Fall!

Mama has a surprise for her three little squirrels: three bright red sweaters to keep them warm throughout the fall. Imagine the siblings’ surprise when they find that everything in the autumn woods—the leaves, the berries, even the setting sun—is red too, just like their sweaters.This celebration of a perfect fall day will have young and old alike looking for signs of autumn in their own neighborhoods. Kazuo Iwamura’s books celebrating the seasons (Hooray for Spring!, Hooray for Summer!, Hooray for Fall!, and Hooray for Snow!) are perennial favorites—introducing children to the beauty and joy of each season. Iwamura masterfully captures the small wonders of nature in his illustrations and his stories with their gentle humor warm the heart.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

The perfect Fall book for kids! A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us.

Maple & Willow Apart

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution. Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

School bells and apples and big ripe pumpkins-all the pleasures of fall come alive in this newly reissued classic by award winner Lois Lenski. First published in 1948, Now It's Fall is a timeless celebration of autumn that will enchant a whole new generation of young readers with its gently recolored illustrations.

Also, look at these other scarecrow ideas.

MORE SCARECROW ACTIVITIES

  • Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids & Scarecrow Candy Jar
  • Paper Bag Scarecrow
  • How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy
  • Paper Cup Hopping Scarecrow Craft
  • Paper Plate Scarecrow Craft
Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Finally look at how to make a fun spoon and stick scarecrow.

HOW TO MAKE A SPOON AND STICK SCARECROW CRAFT

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

List of Supplies:

  • Felt fabric
  • Popsicle stick
  • Fiber spoon
  • Pencil
  • A pair of scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Sharpies
  • template (you can grab this at the bottom by adding your email and you get the template instantly)

Step 1:

Select felt fabrics for the scarecrow patterns.

Trace the template patterns on the selected felt fabrics and cut them out nicely.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 2:

Attach the overall cutout to the shirt cutout.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 3:

Attach the button cutouts to the overall pattern.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 4:

Attach the hat band and the small square cutouts to the hat pattern.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 5:

Take the fiber spoon and attach a popsicle stick horizontally to the spoon, right below the bowl part.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 6:

Take the hat pattern and prepare some small strands of yellow yarns for the scarecrow’s hair.

Attach the yarn cutouts to the backside of the hat.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 7:

Attach 2 small square cutouts to the overall pattern. Prepare more yarn strands for the open ends of the overall’s leg parts.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 8:

Attach the yarn strands to the open ends of the overall’s leg parts.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 9:

Attach the body base pattern of the scarecrow to the fiber spoon. Make sure that the popsicle stick is aligned with the sleeves.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 10:

Cut a slit along the yellow marked line of the felt hat.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 11:

Insert the top end of the spoon through the slit of the hat from the bottom side. Apply glue to secure the hat with the spoon.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

Step 12:

Use markers or sharpies to draw the face of the spoon scarecrow.

Spoon And Stick Scarecrow Craft For Kids & Free Template

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE TEMPLATE

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, scarecrow

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

September 27, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some turkey animal facts for kids and a fun fine motor turkey craft to include your little ones. And look at my post Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests for more fun ideas.

Too, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool and Fall Season Free Unit Study and Lapbook for more activities.

Turkeys have unique behaviors and adaptations. Your children will love learning these facts about turkey.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

And turkeys go by different names depending on their gender and age.

For example, a male adult turkey is a Tom. Hen is an adult female and a baby turkey is a poult.

Too, Toms are bigger, more colorful and have the fan display tail.

BOOKS ABOUT TURKEYS FOR KIDS

Next, look at a few books about turkey birds to add to your unit study.

6 Books About Turkeys

Add some of these fun books about turkey to your unit study.

The Great Turkey Walk

Yeeeeeee-haw! Git along, little . . . turkeys?Big, brawny Simon Green, who's just completed third grade (for the fourth time), may not be book smart, but he's nobody's fool. When it's time to be done with school and make his way in the world, Simon hatches a plan that could earn him a bundle. He intends to herd a huge flock of bronze turkeys all the way from his home in eastern Missouri to the boomtown of Denver, where they'll fetch a mighty price. In the year 1860, the hazards of such a trek are many - how does one shepherd the birds across a river, for instance? - but Simon is undaunted. Accompanied by a faithful drover, and eventually to be joined by two boon companions, he undertakes the biggest journey of his young life, in this high-spirited Wild Wild West adventure by an acclaimed author of historical fiction.

All About Turkeys

Part of a major reprinting of renowned naturalist Jim Arnosky's beloved All About series, All About Turkeys is a thorough and colorful introduction to the world of turkeys.In Spring 08, Scholastic Nonfiction is relaunching Jim Arnosky's treasured All About series with all-new paperback covers! In All About Turkeys, Arnosky shows how turkeys grow and live, answering kids' biggest questions about turkeys, such as: Where do wild turkeys live? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? How fast can they fly? Packed with intriguing information and brought to life by Arnosky's vibrant watercolors, this book will fascinate young readers.

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life

Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. 

Too Many Turkeys

After a little lost turkey wanders onto Belle and Fred's farm, Belle's garden becomes the most beautiful one in the neighborhood. Everyone wants to know her secret, but Belle won't tell. Then, while she is out of town, another turkey comes to roost on the farm...and then another...and another...until the whole farm is overrun! Fred is at his wit's end when his neighbors offer to help- if he'll share Belle's secret. Will Fred tell, or will Belle's garden be ruined?

Turkeys on the Family Farm (Animals on the Family Farm)

What are baby turkeys called? Poults! Find out all sorts of facts about a turkey in TURKEYS ON THE FAMILY FARM. Author Chana Stiefel explores where turkeys live, what they eat, and their life cycle in this exciting addition to ANIMALS ON THE FAMILY FARM.

The Great Turkey Walk: A Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Classic Story of a Boy, His Dog and a Thousand Turkeys

Kathleen Karr's classic American story of grit, friendship, and turkeys—finally reimagined as a sensational graphic novel.

Missouri 1860: Simon Green is a bad student. His mother is dead and his father has disappeared. But he’s daring, and so when he hears that turkeys fetch a higher price in Denver, he borrows his teacher's life savings and buys a herd of a thousand birds. Then he sets off on the thousand-mile trek with his dog and a pair of mules. To survive the odyssey that follows, Simon will need grit, luck and smarts—and a colorful cast of friends. 

Next, look at these fun turkey activities.

FUN CRAFTS ABOUT TURKEYS FOR KIDS

  • Fun Turkey Facts & How to Make A Mosaic Fall Craft
  • How to Make an Easy Origami Turkey
  • 10 Fun Crafts to Do with Pinecones and a Turkey Pinecone Craft for Kids
  • Running Turkey Craft.Too cute.
  • Fork Painted Turkey Craft
Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

Next, look at more turkey animal facts for kids.

TURKEY ANIMAL FACTS FOR KIDS

You can use these facts with both elementary and middle school kids.

  1. Male turkeys often grow a long, hair-like bunch of feathers on their chest called a beard.
  2. The wattle is the red flap of skin under the chin.
  3. The snood is the fleshy bit that hangs over the beak.
  4. Wild turkeys are native to North America, especially the forests and grasslands of the U.S. and Mexico.
  5. Turkeys eat a mix of plants and animals.
  6. They can recognize each other by their voices and features.

Finally, look at how to make this adorable turkey fine motor craft.

FINE MOTOR TURKEY CRAFT

Supplies:

  • Felt sheets (light brown, dark brown, red, yellow, orange)
  • Buttons (medium size, orange or brown work well)
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Googly eyes
Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

First, cut out a light brown turkey body shape from felt.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

Cut a dark brown round shape with a flat bottom (this will be the turkey’s base).

Cut feathers from felt in fall colors (red, orange, yellow).

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

At the bottom of each feather, cut a small slit so the feather can be slipped over a button.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

Glue the turkey body to the bottom center of the dark brown base.

Glue buttons around the top half of the dark brown circle.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

Add googly eyes, a small yellow beak.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

And a red wattle to the turkey’s face.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

Children can thread the felt feathers onto the buttons, practicing fine motor skills while creating the turkey’s colorful tail.

Turkey Animal Facts for Kids and Easy Fine Motor Craft

BENEFITS OF THE TURKEY FINE MOTOR CRAFT

  • Strengthens fine motor skills through threading and buttoning
  • Builds hand-eye coordination
  • Encourages color recognition
  • Promotes creativity and imaginative play
  • Provides a reusable craft activity kids can return to again and again

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: animal turkey, fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science, turkey animal

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

September 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fall nature crafts gives your child a chance to connect with nature when the leaves change colors and the weather is crisp. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Also, look at How to Turn a Pumpkin Lapbook into a Fun Unit Study.

And one of the best reasons I love doing fall nature crafts is that abstract ideas like leaves changing your child can see. Nature crafts make ideas concrete for younger learners.

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

Even older children love to take a break and be creative when the weather is crisp.

Did I mention when you have multiple ages you’re teaching that nature crafts are budget friendly?

Step into your backyard and if you have a park where you’re allowed to take a few leaves that have fallen you have budget friendly materials.

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

One of my favorite parts of doing this seasonal is that you can create seasonal memories.

HOW TO MAKE A PUMPKIN NATURE COLLAGE

Next, here is another idea to add to your nature crafts and it is a pumpkin nature collage.

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Cardboard base
  • Sticks (to form the pumpkin outline)
  • Leaves, helicopter seeds, or other natural items for filling in the pumpkin
  • Acorns, bark, or other brown nature items for the stem
  • A green leaf for beside the stem
Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

Collect nature items.

Go on a nature walk and gather nature items like sticks, leaves, helicopter seeds, acorns, bark, and a green leaf.

Make the pumpkin outline – Arrange sticks on the cardboard in the shape of a pumpkin.

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

Fill the pumpkin.

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

Place colorful leaves, helicopter seeds, and other nature treasures inside the outline to fill the pumpkin shape.

Add the stem – Use acorns, bark, or other brown items to create the stem at the top of the pumpkin.

Finish the look – Place a green leaf beside the stem to complete the pumpkin design.

Fall Nature Crafts & How To Make A Pumpkin Nature Collage

Display & play – Leave the collage on display as a temporary art piece, or take a photo before the items get returned to nature.

FALL NATURE CRAFTS

Finally, look at these fun nature crafts.

I included activities for multiple ages.

10 Fall Nature Crafts

The cooler air, changing leaves, and abundance of natural materials make autumn the perfect time to step outside.

Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

We’re making an adorable leaf hedgehog craft that is worthy of display on any wall, amid family pictures and other decor. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Photo Credit: littlepinelearners.com

Adorable Bat Nature Craft

Here is a cute and unique bat craft for fall! You just need some sticks, leaves, scissors, and glue for this simple nature bat. Head outside and start collecting pieces of nature for this adorable activity!

How To Make Confetti Fall Leaves Crafts For Preschoolers

I have some fun fall leaves crafts for preschoolers. Of course, this is a great activity for kindergarten too. Also, you’ll love my Fall Season Unit Study and Free Lapbook. Too, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

Photo Credit: littlecooksreadingbooks.com

Simple DIY Garland With Dried Fruit

Nature mobile crafts and dried fruit garlands are beautiful to hang any time of year.

From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark

Set up an open invitation to play and encourage your child to create crafts with tree bark and a few other nature items. Also, look at my page Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study for more ideas

Photo Credit: woojr.com

Acorn People Fall Nature Craft

I’m sharing this Acorn People Fall Nature Craft with you. This is a great way to use some of the acorns in your yard that the squirrels don’t tuck away for winter. Here’s what you’ll need!

How To Make A Nature Sun Catcher Wand

A nature sun catcher wand is a translucent frame filled with pressed or dried natural materials, such as leaves, petals, or seeds.

This adorable craft captures the beauty of natural elements. For example, your child can add leaves, flowers, and feathers. It preserves them in a way that allows sunlight to illuminate all the details inside.

Photo Credit: homesteadlady.com

The Ultimate Nature Upcycle.

Learn to make simple and quick plant pots and baskets from fresh and foraged vines – this tutorial is the best of basket weaving for beginners.

Photo Credit: littlepinelearners.com

Stunning Leaf Lanterns

These stunning leaf lanterns will bring light into your home during the darker days of fall.

Photo Credit: montessorifromtheheart.com

Twisted Autumn Tree Craft

Process art is a very modern art.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, pumpkin

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

August 31, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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I have some fantastic fall crafts to keep hands busy, including a mini cutting board scarecrow. Look at my free unit study and lapbook Fall Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Scarecrows are a beloved symbol of autumn.

You see them standing proudly in pumpkin patches, perched on porches, or tucked into gardens as cheerful guardians of the harvest.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

While today they’re mostly used for decoration, scarecrows once had a very important purpose- protecting crops from hungry birds and animals.

The name “scarecrow” tells you exactly what these figures were designed to do—scare crows , and other pests away.

Farmers discovered long ago that birds such as crows, sparrows, and blackbirds could cause a lot of damage to crops.

They would swoop down to eat newly planted seeds, nibble on ripening fruit, or pull at tender shoots. To protect their food supply, farmers needed a way to keep these creatures out of their fields.

BOOKS ABOUT FALL FOR KIDS

Then, look at these fun books about fall to add to your home library.

15 Fall Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

With a chill in the air and leaves falling, grab one or two of these fun books for your home library.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

A compilation of Native American speeches affirming the desire to live in spiritual and ecological harmony includes the words of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Cochise, covering such topics as fishing rights, peace treaties, and the devastation of their land.

Autumn Harvest

"Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."--New York Herald Tribune.

Autumn Leaves

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

These are the apples, juicy and red,that went in the pie,warm and sweet,that Papa baked...for guess who!

Sophie's Squash

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition |

Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

This reprint of a 1949 classic adds some recipes, a poem, and a bit of pie-history as well.

Dance Like a Leaf

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times  Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Down Buttermilk Lane

An Amish family, traveling by buggy, spends a day doing errands in the village, visiting, and returning home in time for supper

Fall Leaves

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Hooray for Fall!

Mama has a surprise for her three little squirrels: three bright red sweaters to keep them warm throughout the fall. Imagine the siblings’ surprise when they find that everything in the autumn woods—the leaves, the berries, even the setting sun—is red too, just like their sweaters.This celebration of a perfect fall day will have young and old alike looking for signs of autumn in their own neighborhoods. Kazuo Iwamura’s books celebrating the seasons (Hooray for Spring!, Hooray for Summer!, Hooray for Fall!, and Hooray for Snow!) are perennial favorites—introducing children to the beauty and joy of each season. Iwamura masterfully captures the small wonders of nature in his illustrations and his stories with their gentle humor warm the heart.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

The perfect Fall book for kids! A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us.

Maple & Willow Apart

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution. Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

School bells and apples and big ripe pumpkins-all the pleasures of fall come alive in this newly reissued classic by award winner Lois Lenski. First published in 1948, Now It's Fall is a timeless celebration of autumn that will enchant a whole new generation of young readers with its gently recolored illustrations.

Next, look at more facts about scarecrows and the history of it.

The solution was simple but clever: make something that looked like a person and place it in the field. Birds tend to avoid people, so a tall, human-shaped figure dressed in old clothes could often do the trick.

HISTORY OF SCARECROWS

Sometimes, once the birds realized the scarecrow wasn’t alive, they came back, but the tradition stuck. Over time, scarecrows became a lasting symbol of farming life and autumn harvest.

One of the most delightful ways to bring this tradition into your home is by making a scarecrow craft. Instead of a life-sized version for your garden, you can create a smaller decorative scarecrow using a mini cutting board.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

This makes an adorable fall decoration for your kitchen, entryway, or classroom, and it’s simple enough for kids to make too.

Whether you’re decorating for the season, hosting a fall festival, or just looking for fun crafts to keep hands busy, projects like these create lasting memories.

 Plus, every little scarecrow you make brings a bit of warmth and whimsy into your home—reminding us of the timeless charm of harvest time.

Scarecrows aren’t just an American idea. They’ve been used all over the world for thousands of years.

  • Ancient Egypt- Farmers along the Nile built wooden figures to stand in grain fields and protect them from flocks of quail.
  • Greece & Rome- Vineyards placed carved wooden statues of Priapus (a fertility god) in their fields. People believed he scared away both birds and thieves.
  • Japan- Rice farmers used scarecrows called kakashi, which were sometimes dressed in old raincoats and straw hats, with bells attached to frighten pests.
  • Medieval Europe- Instead of scarecrows, children were sometimes hired to run and shout in fields all day to keep birds away. Later, stuffed figures became more common.
  • Early America- Settlers built scarecrows from old clothing stuffed with straw or cornhusks. They often wore wide-brimmed hats and stood on wooden poles.

Even though modern farming uses nets, scare tape, and other tools to protect crops, scarecrows remain an enduring fall image. Fall festivals, parades, and county fairs often host scarecrow contests where families and communities compete to build the most creative one.

CRAFTS TO KEEP HANDS BUSY

Additionally, look at these fun crafts to keep hands busy.

After you create the scarecrow project, here are a few more fall crafts to keep hands busy whether in a homeschool setting, at co-op, at a fall party, or just for a cozy weekend at home.

  • Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids & Scarecrow Candy Jar
  • Easy Paper Plate Pumpkins – Paint or color a paper plate orange. Add a construction paper stem and decorate with funny faces.
  • How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School
  • Check out this Kids Fun Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study .
  • Leaf Rubbings – Collect fresh autumn leaves, place them under paper, and rub over them with crayons to reveal their veins and patterns.
  • DIY Button Pumpkin
  • Pinecone Owls – Glue felt wings and big googly eyes onto pinecones for a cute woodland creature craft.
  • Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

DIY MINI CUTTING BOARD SCARECROW

You will need:

  • Mini wooden cutting board (the flat kind works best)
  • Paint Markers
  • Hot glue gun or craft glue
  • Small scrap of fabric, burlap, or felt
  • Raffia, straw, or shredded paper 
  • Buttons or googly eyes
  • Hot glue
  • Paint markers
How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

First, prepare the cutting board by wiping it to clean away dirt, oil, and fingerprints, then allow it to dry.

First, let your child play with the layout of the face, but not gluing anything down yet.

You can use a pencil to lightly sketch the nose, cheeks, and mouth (and eyes if you would rather paint them in). Remember to leave a little space up top for the hat and straw peeking out.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Once satisfied, they can use markers to draw cheerful eyes, a stitched-on smile, and a triangle nose. For extra character, glue on googly eyes or buttons instead.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Along the bottom, you can either glue on a scrap of flannel for his shirt or continue getting creative with the paint markers. Set aside to let the paint dry.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Cut a triangle of felt.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Fold up the bottom and hot glue into place to give it a brim.

Add a strip of felt or ribbon to dress him up a bit.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Hot glue some little pieces of raffia or straw at the top so it looks like straw peeking out from under that hat.

How To Make An Adorable Scarecrow & Crafts To Keep Hands Busy

Hot glue it to the top of the cutting board as a rustic hat.

This mini cutting board scarecrow can be personalized in countless ways.

You can make a whole family of them—tall and skinny boards for parents, small round boards for kids—and give each one a different hat or expression.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, scarecrow

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