Gather acorns with lids this fall, and not only can they be used in a sensory bin, but children can also use them for fantastic acorn art projects. Using natural materials in art projects is FREE and so much fun. It also helps students connect with nature!
Gather acorns from your local oak tree and get ready for some artsy fun! Before beginning, though, check the acorns for uninvited critters. Acorn weevils can be another activity, but if they are unwanted in the painting process, check to make sure the acorns are “weevil free” before beginning this activity. Read more information on acorn weevils here.
Fall Thematic Unit
Fall Preschool Unit
$10.00This Fall Preschool Unit includes 10 days of complete lesson plans with everything done for you. Just print and teach these developmentally appropriate (ages 3-5) fall-themed activities.
Acorn Art Projects #1: Suncatchers
Making vibrant acorn sun catchers is an engaging activity that preschoolers love since they get to play with paint and acorns – together! Gather the following supplies and get ready for some acorn art fun!
- Foil tins (approximate size 9″x13″) or other trays
- Paper (9″x13″ or smaller)
- Fall paint colors such as – red, orange, yellow, and brown
- A bowl of acorns
Acorn Suncatcher How-To
Place a piece of paper in the bottom of the foil pan. Drip in a few small puddles of different colors of paint. Have the children pick acorns from the bowl to roll around inside the tin. The students pick up the tin and gently roll the acorns back and forth until the paint covers the paper. Let the children experiment with the acorns and paint while the paper fills with the beautiful fall colors.
When the artists are done with their masterpieces, set them aside to dry completely. When it is dry, cut acorn shapes from the paper and hang them in the window as suncatchers. Send them home at the end of class or display these gorgeous acorn art projects for a few days to enjoy!
Acorn Art Projects #2: Open-ended Art with Acorns Lids
After having fun with the acorn suncatchers, the children can use the acorn lids in other activities. Cover the art table and have a paper for each student. Put out plates of different colored paint and let the children use the acorn lids as their “paintbrushes.” Let the children stamp, brush or swirl the acorn lids to make a picture.
Invite opportunities for discussion by asking questions about the finished products. It is so fun to hear what the little artists say about their masterpieces! So gather up some acorn lids, pour the paint, and let the children be autumn artists today!
Other Resources
Consider adding these resources to the fall time activities:
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