November at Nature’s Children: A Season of Gratitude and Discovery

As the air turns crisp and the leaves finish their colorful dance to the ground, November invites us to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the beauty around us. At Nature’s Children, this month is all about celebrating the simple joys of fall — the rustle of leaves under our boots, the warmth of shared meals, and the magic of nature preparing for winter’s rest.

Exploring the Changing Season

Our days outdoors this month focus on observation and wonder. The children will notice how the trees stand bare, the sky shifts shades of gray and gold, and animals gather the last bits of food before the cold. Through guided nature walks and leaf hunts, we’ll practice quiet noticing — tuning in to the sounds of the season and learning how nature prepares for change.

We’ll also begin exploring how animals and people adapt to the coming winter. Children will discover which creatures migrate to warmer places and which curl up to hibernate, using movement games, storybooks, and hands-on science to make these big ideas come alive.

Respectful Learning About Native American Heritage

November is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the many Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land since long before us — and who continue to do so today. At Nature’s Children, we approach this with care and respect.

Our learning will focus on gratitude, community, and connection to nature, inspired by stories and books written by Native authors. Children will hear stories that celebrate family, food, and thankfulness, and we’ll talk about how Native American families — just like ours — share meals, love the earth, and care for one another.

We’ll avoid costumes and pretend play, instead focusing on real stories, living cultures, and the values of respect and stewardship. By learning about Native ways of giving thanks and honoring the earth, children begin to see that every culture has something beautiful to teach about kindness and gratitude.

Gratitude and Giving

November is the perfect time to talk about thankfulness in a way little ones understand. Each day, we’ll take a moment during circle time to share something we’re grateful for — a friend, a favorite snack, a sunny day.

We’ll also explore kindness through simple acts of giving, such as making bird feeders, collecting nature treasures for friends, and creating art to share with family. These activities help children see that even small hands can make a big difference.

Hands-On Learning and Creative Play

Our sensory bins will be filled with dried corn, pinecones, and cinnamon-scented playdough to spark imagination. In art, we’ll use natural materials like leaves, sticks, and seeds to create fall collages.

For science, we’ll dive deeper into hibernation and migration, exploring how bears, birds, and butterflies get ready for winter. Children might build cozy “hibernation dens” for toy animals or trace the paths of migrating birds across a map. These playful lessons help them connect what they see outside with what they learn inside.

Gathering Together

As we approach Thanksgiving, we’ll talk about the meaning of sharing a meal and community. The children will help prepare a simple “harvest snack” — perhaps cornbread muffins or roasted pumpkin seeds — celebrating the abundance of the season.

We’ll also reflect on gratitude as a daily practice, not just a holiday, and honor the Native traditions of giving thanks for the gifts of the earth all year long.

Honoring the Slower Pace

November reminds us all to slow down, rest, and connect. Just as nature prepares to sleep, we too can take moments of calm — reading cozy stories, sipping warm cider, and enjoying the beauty of early sunsets together.

From all of us at Nature’s Children, we wish our families a season filled with warmth, gratitude, and joyful discovery.

“The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.”