10 Simple November Homeschool Activities for kids - Fun Fall Crafts & Learning Ideas
Hey friends,
If you’re a homeschooling mom like me, you probably know this sweet spot between fall fun and holiday chaos all too well. The kids are still riding the excitement of fall, but you’re trying to keep lessons engaging without adding more to your plate.
And let’s be honest—finding new fall activities for kids that are easy, educational, and not a total mess? That’s the dream.
So today, I want to share 10 simple and cozy November homeschool activities that will keep your little learners engaged and happy—all while giving you a bit of breathing room before the holiday rush begins.
These activities blend hands-on learning, creativity, and gratitude (because November is all about giving thanks). And yes, they’re Pinterest-perfect, but more importantly, they’re real-life doable.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. All Products are linked in Blue.
1. Thankful Tree Craft
Each day, let your kids write something they’re thankful for on a leaf and hang it on the tree. It’s a simple November activity for kids that encourages mindfulness, handwriting practice, and family connection—all wrapped in one.
This one’s a classic for a reason. All you need is a few branches (grab some from the yard or your last nature walk), construction paper, and string.
Here is everything you need to start a gratitude tree, including leaves and a display. Tap HERE to shop.
DIY Supplies if you want to make a project out of it and get the kids involved..
Brown construction paper or a tree branch from outdoors
Colored cardstock or fall-colored paper (for leaves)
String, twine, or tape to hang leaves
🪄 Tip: Have kids write one thing they’re thankful for on each leaf every day leading up to Thanksgiving.
2. Paper plate crafts for kids
If you’ve been searching Pinterest for preschool crafts or kindergarten activities, this one’s been trending—paper plate pies!
Grab paper plates, brown paint, and cotton balls. Kids can create “pumpkin,” “apple,” or “blueberry” pies by painting, gluing, and “crimping” the edges.
It’s a fun way to work on fine motor skills while connecting to the season. You can even turn it into a quick math lesson by counting “berries” or slices.
You can also try this all-in-one Harvest Craft Kit — it includes fall-themed craft components, ideal for making paper plate turkeys and other autumn art. Tap HERE to shop
DIY Supplies:
Cotton balls or tissue paper for “whipped cream”
🪄 Tip: Label each “pie” with what your child is thankful for—adorable wall display idea!
3. 📖 Thanksgiving Story Time + DIY Puppets
Turn story time into an art activity by creating puppets from brown paper bags or popsicle sticks.
Read classic Thanksgiving stories or fall picture books, then have your kids act out the story. It’s a great mix of autumn activities for kids and language arts practice.
Bonus: This helps shy learners express themselves creatively while improving comprehension.
Supplies:
Safety scissors and glue
Thanksgiving picture books (library or home collection)
🪄 Tip: Encourage kids to retell their favorite story using their puppet characters
4. 🕯️ Cozy Afternoon Journaling
Encourage your kids (and maybe yourself) to keep a November Gratitude Journal.
Sometimes we underestimate how powerful quiet time can be—especially during the busy season. Let’s be honest, quiet time not only benefits the kids but is a win for busy moms.
You can make it a daily routine—light a candle, play soft music, and write or draw something that made you smile that day. This can be adapted for toddler learning activities (drawing pictures) or older.
Supplies:
Cozy blanket and warm drink for journaling time
🪄 Tip: Create a “thankful journal” where everyone writes or draws one memory per day.
5. Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt
Before the weather turns too chilly, take learning outdoors!
Print out a simple fall scavenger hunt (acorns, red leaves, pinecones, etc.) and let your kids explore. This ties in beautifully with any preschool fall activities and kindergarten nature learning.
Bring a small basket, a magnifying glass, and collect items for a mini nature table—kids love revisiting what they’ve found and using them for art later.
You can grab an already assembled Nature Scavenger Hunt Cards (50‑pack) — a durable set for multiple kids/outings. Tap HERE to Shop
DIY Supplies:
Clipboard or a piece of cardboard
Printed scavenger hunt list (DIY with paper + markers)
Pencil or crayon for checkmarks
Small bag or basket to collect items
Optional: binoculars or magnifying glass
🪄 Tip: Turn it into a photo scavenger hunt by using your phone camera!
6. Kitchen Math: Baking Bread or Muffins Together
Learning + life skills = the homeschool activity magic combo.
Baking is full of natural math lessons—measuring, fractions, and counting. Let your child help mix, pour, and measure.
For littles, talk about textures and smells. For older ones, teach conversions (1 cup = 16 tablespoons).
Plus, the smell of freshly baked bread? That’s the kind of homeschool memory that sticks forever.
Here’s an all-in-one kids' baking set. Tap HERE to shop
Individual Supplies:
Ingredients (flour, eggs, milk, etc.)
🪄 Tip: Have kids help measure and count ingredients—fun and educational!
7. Leaf Printing Art
Collect fallen leaves, brush them with washable paint, and press them onto paper. The result? Gorgeous fall art activities for kids that celebrate nature and creativity. Simple. Beautiful. Calm.
Display them in your homeschool room or send them to grandparents as a “thankful card.”
Supplies:
Real leaves (different shapes)
Paper towels for cleanup
🪄 Tip: Use this to teach symmetry, patterns, or the parts of a leaf.
8. 🦃 Thankful Turkeys (A Toddler Favorite!)
Grab construction paper, trace your child’s hand, and let them decorate their turkey feathers with what they’re thankful for.
It’s one of those November crafts that never goes out of style—and toddlers and preschoolers love seeing their little hands turned into art. You can even laminate it, add the year, and then place it as an ornament on your Christmas tree.
Supplies:
Construction paper (brown, orange, yellow, red)
Scissors and glue sticks
Optional: feathers for extra fun
🪄 Tip: Write one thing your child is thankful for on each feather—great keepsake idea.
9. 📚Cozy Fall Reading Ideas
Set aside one afternoon in November for Booksgiving—a cozy read-aloud day. Everyone picks a favorite fall or Thanksgiving story, and you read together with snacks and blankets.
You can create a new family tradition for November.
It’s the perfect low-prep homeschool activity that promotes literacy and family bonding.
Supplies:
Favorite family books
Blank bookmarks (cut from cardstock)
Cozy blanket or pillows for a reading nook
🪄 Tip: Let your child “gift” a favorite book to a sibling or friend to encourage reading.
10. 🌙 Family Movie + Reflection Night
Homeschooling doesn’t always have to be worksheets—it’s about learning through connection.
After all that fun, slow down with a themed movie night. Watch something cozy and family-friendly (think Charlie Brown Thanksgiving or The Star), then discuss what lessons you learned.
✨ Bonus Tip: Keep It Simple
If you’re feeling stretched thin (and who isn’t?), remember this: the goal isn’t to do all the activities—it’s to create small, meaningful moments.
Pick one or two that fit your homeschool routine and schedule. Some days it’s a scavenger hunt, other days it’s curling up for a read-aloud and hot cocoa. Both count. Both matter.
Your kids won’t remember a perfectly planned lesson—they’ll remember how it felt to learn with you.
