Fall Harvest & Literacy

The Fall Harvest is a theme in the library's Fall Early Literacy Newsletter. It's also a popular theme in early childhood settings such as preschools and childcare centers this time of year. After sharing books about the fall harvest, including books on apples and pumpkins, why not take a trip to a local farm to see how fruits and vegetables grow? This makes for a meaningful expansion on a topic after reading a book on the subject. It helps children create their own narratives about harvest time. It also gives you - the parent or care provider - a chance to talk about the harvest, farms, and fruits and vegetables and add to your child's growing vocabulary! Meaningful and enjoyable interactions like these provide the perfect backdrop for helping build their early literacy skills.

In Apple Picking Time by Michele Benoit Slawson, illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray (Crown, 1994) , a young girl and her family spend a fall day picking apples with others from their small town.

To find a local pick-your-own farm, visit: http://www.pickyourown.org/.