“Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson is about understanding and accepting the changes in life and nature. The story follows a young fox named Fletcher, who becomes worried when the leaves on his favorite tree start falling. At first, he tries to stop the leaves from falling, not understanding that this change is part of the natural cycle. By the end of the story, Fletcher learns to accept that the changing of the seasons is a natural and beautiful process, as the tree transforms with winter and becomes covered in sparkling ice.
It is such a fun book for kids. Below are some activities associated with the book to help you enjoy the changing fall season and book even more! Grab the FREE printable here!
Activity #1: Story Retelling with figures from the book
This type of activity is so informative to me as a mom. It lets me know where my child’s level of comprehension is. My older children are able to tell large portions of the story using the little figures, and my younger children just sit and name each one. I love to hear my children invent new parts of the story as they retell it to me. I encourage their imagination and will ask them questions like “How do you think Fletcher felt when the squirrel was taking the leaves?” or “When have you seen the leaves turn colors?”
Just print and cut out these little figures and let the story recounting begin!
Activity #2: Porcupine Hands
In Fletcher and Falling Leaves the porcupine uses the leaves to keep himself warm. For this fall activity to remind your little learner about this part of the book, just trace their hands on brown construction paper. Cut out the traced hands and glue them so they overlap a little. Next glue the little triangles to the top of the fingers so they look like little porcupine spines. Finally glue the leaves to the spines. You can also gather leaves from outside and glue them on the porcupine for a little outdoor adventure!
Activity #3: Leaf Threading
This activity is great for fine motor skill development.In the book, Fletcher the fox tries to tie a leaf back to the tree. This activity will remind your child of Fletcher desperately trying to keep the leaves on the tree. First, just print and cut the branch and leaves. Next, I laminate mine for some extra durability. This is not necessary, but I recommend it! Use a hole punch to put some holes in the tree branch and the fall leaves. Finally, get a shoelace or yarn and have your children thread the leaves on the tree.
Easy peasy and oh so fun!
Activity #4: Fall Nest
The squirrel in the book wants to build a next using the leaves that have fallen to the ground. With this activity you get to build your own nest!
First cut out the center of the plate. Loop craft raffia around the plate ring. Weave the paper sticks in and out of the raffia on the plate. Finally, glue the leaves on the sticks.
This is also an activity that can be done with materials you gather from the outside. You can prompt your child to gather sticks and leaves to use in their nest!
I hope you enjoy these fun fall activities associated with Fletcher and Falling Leaves.
Be sure to get your FREE printable here and to share with your friends!
To enjoy some more songs and activities for fall, be sure to checkout…
The best Halloween songs for kids | spooky & super simple
Thanksgiving songs for kids | Visual aids & movement ideas
10 fantastic fall songs for kids: pumpkins, scarecrows, leaves
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