Teacher's Corner: Fall Preschool Project

Donna Brecken

 My name is Donna Brecken and I am the lead preschool teacher at Richard Allen Youth Academy in Spokane.  Each month we introduce a letter of the alphabet and highlight it in many of our activities.  In November, our letter will be “t.”  Here is an activity that includes large and fine motor skill development, writing, science, art, and getting outside in the fresh air!

“t” Scarecrows Project

• Have each child print the lower case letter “t.”  Next outline their letter on a large piece of construction paper, preferably card stock.  The tall part of the letter should be about 18 inches long.  Encourage the child to cut it out himself.

• Give each child a small bag and have them collect a variety of brightly colored leaves outside.  Bring the leaves inside and place them between two pieces of white construction paper.  Give them rolling pins and have them roll the leaves to flatten them out.  Teachers can then put the leaves (still between the two sheets of white paper) under a stack of books for a day or two.  The leaves leave colored imprints on the paper.
• Have children cut out their leaves and glue them where straw would normally stick out of a scarecrow.
• Let the children color or paint the clothes on the body of the scarecrow.  Let them cut out and glue on eyes and noses and accessories such as hats.