Teaching children that seasons, holidays, and traditions are about more than gifts and commercialism is a challenge. Carefully curate your home for engaging “treats”—books, crafts, music, non-fiction brochures, photo albums, toys, and more. Whether you have an old wagon, basket, or special corner of the room, create a “pop up” literacy center that sparks your own literary adventures.

In addition to seasonal books, ensure that your selection includes assorted genres related to themes, concepts, and skills that are appropriate for your child. Don’t forget to include some selections just for fun! Let your children explore and lead the way, but use your pre-selected titles to introduce topics in a timely, teachable moment.

Weave literacy into every aspect of your child’s world. In our wagon, we include:

• Halloween-themed musical plush toys (Tunes: Addam’s Family theme song and Monster Mash)
• Construction paper {Colors: orange, red, brown, yellow, and peach}
• Fall-themed stickers {Use as writing prompts for journaling}
• Fall-themed bulletin board die cuts {Children: trace, embellish, cut, paste, and display}
• Foam apple cut-outs {Try: writing sight words to display}
• Fabric leaves {For pretend play, math skills, crafts, book tie-ins, and more}
• Metal buckets {Take: a fall nature walk and bring home a collection}
• Kid crafts {Cherish: memories by displaying last year’s crafts}
• And these fall-themed books…

Calendar by Myra Cohn Livingston

Sweet and colorful, this poetic book opens the storyline up to you and your family. As you read the simple text, talk about your family’s special days and traditions of each month. Simply lovely for the whole year round.

Let It Fall by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

A lyrical glimpse of fall, this fun story follows a family through some of the season’s treasured traditions.

Leaves from the publisher eyelike nature

A photography-rich board book all about leaves!

Halloween Treats by Tom Arma

Especially great for first Halloweens, but fun for any age. This touch-and-feel board book is filled with babies in cute Halloween costumes.

Halloween Is Here! from Fisher-Price Little People

Commercial books sometimes underwhelm, but this interactive book is filled with 45 fun flaps to lift. Children see familiar play friends enjoy the season, while interactive activities reinforce early learning concepts, such as colors and counting.

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone

This timeless classic is a year-round favorite, but perfect for some light monster-themed humor in place of spookier tales.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves by Lucille Colandro

An absurd tale adapted for fall! Silly humor for all ages.

It is not about buying many new items to celebrate every holiday, but rather building a sense of understanding through the familiar traditions, books, and artifacts in your home. Leave a Comment about the way you mark the seasons, introduce traditions, and celebrate holidays in your home. Of course, if you liked this post, please Share!