My Fall Wonder Jar

Learning Guide

A simple guide to lead you through the kickoff, the core challenge, and everything in between.

Mai’s Tips

1. Before starting, clearly explain to your child that the goal is to create their unique interpretation of fall, not a perfect replica, to encourage true independent learning and creativity.
2. During the activity phase, step back and observe. Offer materials and a listening ear, but allow the child to lead the design and execution, even if it's different from what you might imagine.

Photo by BabijaPhoto JB on Pexels

1Introduction 5 min

• First, guide your child to collect a variety of small, fallen autumn treasures from outside, such as colorful leaves, small twigs, acorns, pinecones, or dried berries. Aim for small items that can fit into a jar. This pre-gathering should take 15-30 minutes. Once these natural items are gathered, begin the lesson by engaging your child in a conversation about autumn. Ask them:

  "What special feelings or thoughts come to mind when you think about autumn?"

  Then, encourage them to share their findings:

  "What interesting things did you find outside that tell us fall is here?"

  Done: Child shares initial observations and ideas about fall.

Done when: Student shares initial observations and ideas about fall.

Photo by FOTEROS on Pexels

2Explore & Plan 8 min

• Lay out all the gathered natural items and the clear jar on a flat surface. Encourage your child to handle and observe each item closely, noticing textures, colors, and shapes. Ask:

  "Which item is your favorite and why?"

  "How does this item connect to autumn?"

  "If your jar could tell a story about fall, what items would you choose and how would you arrange them to tell that story?"

  Let them experiment with different arrangements inside or around the jar. Resist the urge to fix or direct their initial ideas as they plan how their 'Fall Wonder Jar' will look.

  Done: Child has a rough plan for how they want to arrange the items in their jar.

Done when: Student has a rough plan for how they want to arrange the items in their jar.

Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels

3Discussion 6 min

• Introduce the concept of "seasonal changes." Explain that: 'Seasonal changes are the regular, predictable shifts in weather, plant life, and animal behavior that happen each year, following a set pattern.' Then ask:

  "How can we tell a season is changing? What do we see, feel, or hear that tells us it’s autumn and not summer or winter?"

  Provide examples like leaves changing color in fall or flowers blooming in spring, contrasting predictable seasons with unpredictable day-to-day weather. Explain the 'why' behind these changes: 'These changes happen because our Earth is tilted on its axis as it travels around the sun, which means different parts of the Earth get more direct sunlight at different times of the year, making it warmer or colder.' Guide their thinking further with:

  "Besides the changing leaves, what other seasonal changes might an animal notice in autumn?"

  Done: Child can explain the core concept of seasonal changes in their own words and relate it to autumn.

Done when: Student can explain the core concept of seasonal changes in their own words and relate it to autumn.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

4Activity 9 min

• Have your child carefully arrange their collected treasures inside the clear jar. Encourage them to take the lead in deciding how to layer the items, highlight textures, and tell their fall story. If they wish to secure items, offer assistance with glue or tape. Emphasize that this is their artistic expression, and there's no single "right" way. Encourage creativity and problem-solving if an item doesn't fit as imagined. Ask them:

  "What part are you enjoying most about putting this together?"

  "How does this arrangement make you feel about fall?"

  Done: Child has completed arranging the natural items inside their Fall Wonder Jar.

Done when: Student has completed arranging the natural items inside their Fall Wonder Jar.

Photo by Yasin Onuş on Pexels

5Summary 2 min

• Celebrate your child's effort and the unique 'Fall Wonder Jar' they created, acknowledging their artistic expression and observations. Ask them reflective questions:

  "What was your favorite part of making your Fall Wonder Jar?"

  "What's one new thing you learned about autumn or seasonal changes today?"

  Connect their creation to the real world by explaining: 'This jar is like a tiny ecosystem, showing how nature adapts to the seasons!'

  Done: Child shares one key takeaway or thought about their creation or learning.

Done when: Student shares one key takeaway or thought about their creation or learning.

Your Notes