Fall Activities to Boost Language Skills
As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, one of my favorite seasons to support language development is fall—when the leaves change, routines settle in, and there are endless opportunities for hands-on, language-rich learning.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, here are some of my favorite SLP-approved fall activities that help build vocabulary, grammar, sequencing, and more—all while having fun.
1. Apple Picking Adventures (or Pretend Play!)
Skills targeted:
Descriptive language (size, color, texture)
WH- questions ("What are we picking?" "Where do apples grow?")
Sequencing steps ("First we get a basket... then we pick apples...")
Basic concepts (full/empty, more/less, up/down)
SLP Tip:
Bring a small basket and talk about what you're doing step-by-step: “Let’s find a big red apple. Oh! That one is too high!Can you reach it?” Even if you’re not visiting an orchard, you can do this with a sensory bin filled with toy apples or red balls.
2. Pumpkin Patch + Carving Fun
Skills targeted:
Vocabulary (stem, pulp, seeds, scoop, carve)
Following directions (“Put the pumpkin on the table.” “Scoop out the seeds.”)
Expressive language (“My pumpkin has triangle eyes and a scary smile!”)
Retelling experiences
SLP Tip:
Take photos of each step (choosing, washing, carving, decorating) and use them later to help your child retell the experience. Ask questions like, “What did we do first?” or “What came next?”
3. Leaf Hunt + Nature Walk
Skills targeted:
Categorizing and sorting (by color, shape, size)
Using adjectives ("crunchy," "red," "pointy," "big")
Asking and answering WH- questions
Expanding sentences ("I found a red leaf." → "I found a big red leaf under the tree.")
SLP Tip:
Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt. Give your child prompts like, “Can you find something that is brown?” or “Let’s look for three different shaped leaves!” Use the leaves later for crafts or a language-based art project.
4. Fall Baking Together (Applesauce, Pumpkin Muffins, etc.)
Skills targeted:
Sequencing and following directions
Basic math and concepts (first/next, hot/cold, more/less)
New vocabulary (mix, pour, stir, scoop, measure)
Social language (taking turns, making requests)
SLP Tip:
Cooking is incredibly language-rich. Use visuals (pictures or printed recipes), and narrate everything: “First, we pour the flour. Then we add the cinnamon—it smells sweet!” Let your child do simple steps for hands-on learning.
5. Fall Crafts (With a Language Twist!)
Try crafts like:
Leaf rubbings
Pumpkin painting
"Build-a-Scarecrow" with paper cutouts
Apple stamping
Skills targeted:
Requesting materials
Giving and following directions
Describing steps
Using prepositions (“Put the hat on top of the scarecrow.”)
SLP Tip:
Model clear, complete sentences during craft time, and prompt your child to describe their creation. Try sentence starters like:
🗣️ “I made a scarecrow with…”
🗣️ “My pumpkin is…”
🗣️ “First, I…”
Bonus: Fall-Themed Books for Story Time
Pair your activities with fall-themed books to boost listening and story comprehension:
Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall by Kenard Pak
Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro
Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
SLP Tip:
Use books for repeated readings. After the first time, pause to ask prediction questions or let your child fill in repetitive phrases. Talk about the characters, setting, and main events.
Final Thoughts from an SLP
Fall is the perfect time to slow down, explore, and connect—with nature, with your child, and with language. The key is to be intentional: talk about what you're doing, invite your child into conversations, and make space for them to describe, ask questions, and share their thoughts.
Remember: language grows best when kids are engaged and having fun.
