Who knew that building a scarecrow could actually be a learning experience? Below, you will find 7 scarecrow educational activities for you to enjoy. Take a look at how a simple afternoon of scarecrow building can pack in lessons in science, math, and even language arts. Not only is building a scarecrow fun, but now it is educational too!
7 Scarecrow Educational Activities
1. Planning your scarecrow/Language Arts
Before you start building, grab a pencil and pen and begin planning your scarecrow. You can make a list of the items you need, write the steps that you will take to build it, and assign a job to each person. This is a great way to utilize reading and writing skills.
2. Measurement/Math
When planning your scarecrow, decide how tall it will be. You will need to measure a dowel rod that is long enough to hold it up. It is also important to use measurement when figuring out what size clothing the scarecrow will need, and how much hay or paper is needed to stuff it. You can even weigh your scarecrow once it is done!
3. Proportions/Science
In order for your scarecrow to be able to sit or stand properly, you will need to make sure it is evenly proportioned. This means making sure it is not top heavy, or that one side if heavier than the other. Take this time to talk about proportions, and how they are important to this project.
4. Weather Prediction/Science
Take a moment to look at the weather forecast for the next two weeks. Will there be a great deal of rain? Wind? Storms? If so, make sure you are using weather safe and durable materials to create your scarecrow. Reading the weather forecast will help you plan accordingly.
5. Name your scarecrow/Language Arts
When it comes time to name the scarecrow, give each person a note card. Have them write the name of their choice, and 3-5 sentences about why they chose this name. Share your ideas with each other. When done, either pick one card out of a hat or vote on a favorite.
6. Data Collecting/Science
Now it is time to see if your scarecrow is doing his job. Make a simple graft that lists each day for the next two weeks on it. Keep a tally on each day for how many birds you see around the scarecrow. Hopefully, each day you will see less and less. Track your data and compare the days when the two weeks are up.
7. Recycling/Science
When it is time to take your scarecrow down, separate the materials to be recycled. Tin, fabric scraps, yarn, and paper can all be recycled. This is a great time to talk about reducing waste and how the scarecrow can be taken apart and made into something else.
So what are you waiting for? Do you want to build a scarecrow? As you can see, the experience offers fun as well as valuable lessons to children.
More Fall Activities for Kids
- Frugal Fall Family Fun
- 5 Indoor Fall Games for Kids
- 1o Fun and Frugal Uses for Fall Leaves
- 15 Fall Leaf Crafts for Kids
- How to Preserve Fall Leaves
- Rustic Pumpkin Made with Fall Leaves
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Almost Unschoolers says
Don’t forget team building and leadership skills – when you build the scarecrow as a group…so many possibilities!