Are you looking for some Fall themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Fall is a fun seasonal theme for many students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these fall or autumn books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of fall by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
With the use of watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire and roots the author gives the reader a rich introduction to the life of a tree. The tree is a sugar maple tree and the child who planted it watches the tree through all the seasons.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Leaves” Classroom Book
- “I See Leaves” Student Counting Booklet
- Leaf Story Retelling Graphic Organizer
- Leaves Sight Word Match Game
2. Autumn is Here by Heidi Pross Gray
Celebrate the coming of autumn with this wonderful book that describes the how the world changes along with this season. This book has beautiful watercolor illustrations making you wish that the season of autumn was all year round!
Literacy Extensions:
- Autumn/Fall Writing Station Words
- “I See Fall” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Fall Tree Art Project
- Fall Sight Word Games
3. Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro
Bright illustrations and clear simple test explain what happens toa simple leaf in autumn. This informative book includes detailed pictures of leaves in different sizes, shapes, and colors. It also includes a list of activities kids can do with leaves.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Leaf Fun” Classroom Book
- “Leaves Senses” Student Booklet
- Leaf Poem Art Project
- Leaves Counting Games
4. Autumn Leaves by Ken Robbins
Robbin’s work in this book demonstrates his careful observation and joy of nature. This striking photo-essay is an album of autumn leaves shown in life-size with their changing colors. The accompanying simple text and lovely touch to the pictures.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Fall”
- “Fall” Student I See Color Booklet
- Leaf Acrostic Poem Project
- Fall Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson
One cool day Mouse and his sister Minka venture out to play. The see leaves of all colors; red, yellow, orange, and brown. They also see leaves of all shapes and sizes, from pointy to round. Mouse learns that fall is a season full of fun! And when the day is done, Mouse just might take the biggest leap of all.
Literacy Extensions:
- Autumn/Fall Writing Station Words
- “I See Fall” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Fall Art Project
- Fall Roll It & Read It Short Vowel Game Cards
6. Animals in the Fall by Martha E. H. Rustad
The author brings to life how the animals must get ready for the winter that is coming. Honk! Geese are flying south. Grr! Black bears are looking for a den. Munch! Deer are eating extra food to prepare for the winter ahead.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Fall” Classroom Book
- “Fall Senses” Student Booklet
- Seasons of a Tree Student Worksheet
- Fall Build a Word Game
7. Look What I Did with a Leaf by Morteza E. Sohl
In this book, readers will develop their artistic eye and soon learn to see the artistic possibilities that surround them. The author gives careful directions on how to choose leaves for shape and color, how to arrange them in an animal form, and how to preserve the finished work of art. A field guide helps young leaf artists learn more about the tools of their craft.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Fall Fun” Classroom Book
- “The Fall I See Book” Student Counting Booklet
- Leaf Art Project
- Fall Addition & Subtraction Game
8. Leaf Man by Lois Ehler
Ehlert celebrates the astonishing variety and beauty of autumn leaves in this story that follows the journey of Leaf Man. The Leaf Man used to live in a pile of nearby leaves, but he has been caught by the wind and blown here and there. It is here his journey begins.
This beautifully designed book features leaf collages in bright colors and shapes. The leaf collages illuminate the text, combining to create a variety of nature’s beauty including a pensive Leaf Man looking down at the Earth from high in the sky.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Fall Fun” Classroom Book
- “Fall Senses” Student Booklet
- “Fall” Student Story
- Fall Sight Word Game
Grab your Free, Fall Math Dice Games Here!
Finally, there are so many wonderful Fall children’s books you can choose from autumn fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
