How Autumn Builds Skills: What Children Learn in the Woods This Season

As the forest shifts into its most colourful season, something magical happens, not just in the trees and leaves, but in the children exploring them. Autumn in the woods isn’t just beautiful; it’s a rich learning environment that helps children grow in confidence, creativity, and curiosity.

At A Touch of the Wild, we see the power of seasonal change every day in our Wildlings Forest Kindergarten and Wild Tots sessions. Here’s how autumn helps young children develop key skills all while having heaps of fun in the fresh air.

Sensory Learning at Its Best

Autumn is a sensory wonderland. The crunch of dry leaves, the squelch of muddy boots, the cool air on rosy cheeks, it’s a full-body experience. Sensory play helps children:

• Build brain connections through touch, smell, sight and sound
• Improve focus, memory and emotional regulation
• Feel grounded and present in the moment

By exploring the textures of bark, moss, acorns, and fallen leaves, children deepen their understanding of the natural world in a way no screen or classroom ever could.

Observational Skills and Scientific Curiosity

Why are the leaves turning yellow? Where do squirrels hide their food? What happens to the insects in winter?

In the forest, every walk is a chance to observe, question and wonder. Autumn invites rich conversations and early science learning. Children develop:

• Vocabulary for colours, weather, textures and changes
• The ability to ask questions and seek answers
• Skills in sorting, classifying, and predicting

We use real experiences, like finding fungi or building shelters from wind and rain to support early learning in a way that sticks.

Physical Confidence and Resilience

Slippery logs, uneven ground, and unpredictable weather might seem like obstacles, but they’re actually powerful learning tools.

In autumn, children learn to:

• Navigate changing terrain with balance and strength
• Adjust to cooler temperatures with the right gear and mindset
• Try, fall, and try again building resilience and self-belief

It’s all part of what makes Forest School so special: children gain real-world problem-solving skills and the confidence to face challenges head-on.

Creative Play Inspired by Nature

Nature is the best art box and in autumn, it’s overflowing with inspiration.

From leaf collages to mud painting and clay creatures, children express themselves freely using natural materials. This kind of creative play:

• Develops fine motor skills
• Encourages storytelling and imaginative thinking
• Builds pride and self-expression through process, not product

Plus, there’s nothing quite like painting with a muddy stick or crafting with conkers under a canopy of golden trees!

Social Skills and Emotional Growth

Autumn brings opportunities for cooperation: building dens, making nature art in groups, helping each other with zips and gloves. In the forest, children develop:

• Teamwork and communication
• Emotional awareness and empathy
• A strong sense of belonging and trust

Being in nature also helps reduce stress and increase wellbeing, something we see time and time again with both children and their parents.

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime

At A Touch of the Wild, we believe the best learning happens through experience. Autumn teaches children to embrace change, find beauty in transition, and stay curious, lessons that last far beyond the forest floor.

Whether your child joins us for Wild Tots, Wildlings Forest Kindergarten, or one of our seasonal events, they’ll be gaining far more than muddy boots. They’ll be building the skills, confidence and joy that shape a lifelong love of learning.

Want to see forest learning in action?
Click here to find out more about our sessions and how to join us.