Weekly Update November 14 - Exploring Fall Through Leaves, Art, and Enrichment: A Week of Learning at Fox Hill School

Melanie Little
Nov 14
3 min read

Reminders:

November 26 - Early Release @ 11:30 - No "Explore More" program
November 27 - Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
November 28 - Day after Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
December 8 - Grinch Family Fun Event at the Danvers Art Association 6pm Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054BAFA62F4-60359705-family
December 18 - Popsicle Pajama Party
December 19 - Popsicle Pajama Party
December 20-January 4 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
January 5 - First day of school 2026!

Focus Book of the Week: We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt

This week at Fox Hill School, we dove into We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt by Steve Metzger. The story follows a group of children who discover different kinds of leaves—and that each leaf belongs to a specific tree with its own fall color.

This book is perfect for building early science skills. Preschoolers learn to observe, compare, classify, and make real-world connections—key components of early literacy and cognitive development.

Not all families know that we have a special tree on our playground named Mr. Tree. We observe him throughout the year to learn about the seasons. After collecting his leaves—bright yellow in the fall—we compared them to photos online and concluded: Mr. Tree is probably a Norway Maple. Tracking his seasonal changes helps children develop scientific thinking, vocabulary, and curiosity about the natural world.

Hands-On Art Projects That Strengthen Fine Motor and Creative Skills

Our art activities this week were not only fun—they were deeply beneficial for building preschoolers’ fine motor strength, creativity, and early writing readiness.

We painted the plaster donuts we made last week for our classroom farm stands. Children also created signs for the items they’ll “sell,” from pumpkins and apples to donuts and even pies. (A friendly heads-up: prices ranged from $5 to $1 million—so bring your pennies!)

We also created fall trees using a ball of aluminum foil as a paintbrush, a great way to refine grip strength and hand-eye coordination. Children used silky sticks to draw trunks, then dabbed on fall leaves with foil. This kind of process art builds sensory awareness, strengthens the muscles needed for future handwriting, and encourages experimentation.

Another exciting project was creating the alphabet from sticks we collected on the playground. This activity ties physical movement to letter formation, helping children build pre-literacy skills through tactile learning.

Afternoon Explorers: Enrichment Programs That Spark Curiosity

Each afternoon, our Explorers program gives children hands-on opportunities to learn through movement, science, storytelling, and music.

Science with Dr. Beaker: Learning About Gravity

This week, Dr. Beaker introduced the children to gravity, the invisible force that keeps us grounded. Preschoolers learned that objects fall at the same rate—even when one object is heavier than another.

Through simple, visual experiments, children develop skills in prediction, observation, and evidence-based thinking. Science at this age builds confidence and fosters a natural sense of wonder.

Yoga & Literacy: Thanks for Thanksgiving and Gratitude Poses

Ms. Erin shared Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes, a beautifully simple story about gratitude. Afterwards, she guided our little yogis through gratitude-themed yoga poses.

Yoga in early childhood supports self-regulation, mindfulness, motor planning, balance, and emotional awareness—skills that help children thrive both socially and academically.

Music Class: Rhythm, Coordination, and Beanbag Fun

In music class, Ms. Melanie introduced beanbags—always a favorite! We tossed them in the air, passed them to a friend, and carried them in silly ways to the rhythm of fun beanbag songs.

These activities support bilateral coordination, timing, motor planning, and listening skills. Music is more than singing—it’s an essential part of brain development, language growth, and social connection.