While many friends may be mourning the end of summer, I’m sitting at home bundled up in my cozy sweater overjoyed for fall! I love the turning leaves, cooler temps and heading to the pumpkin patch!
Especially now during the pandemic, getting outdoors may be the perfect social distancing activity to do with your little one! So, why not start by making a trip to your local farm? You can pick apples, pumpkins, go on a hayride, and say hi to all your farm friends!
Did I mention going to the pumpkin patch offers SO MANY language rich opportunities to expose your little ones to?! It provides an immersive hands on experience that is interactive, engaging and very motivating! This sets the stage for language learning.
As a speech-language pathologist I always share the best way to foster language is by embedding it within our everyday routines and activities! Which, by the way is all day everyday ;).
So today, I’m here to share a few language tips you can use on your next trip to the pumpkin patch! You’ll leave feeling empowered knowing how to follow your child’s lead and provide them with rich language opportunities, all while having FUN!
Are you ready?!
Exposing your littles to language and vocabulary about the pumpkin patch can start way BEFORE your trip begins. How? Through BOOKS! You can highlight…
Here’s a list of some of my favorite farm/fall themed books for babies and toddlers:
It was so hard for me to narrow down this list! If you’d like your own curated book wishlist for your little one, don’t hesitate to contact me! You can also check out more of my favorite books here!
So now you may be wondering WHERE the best farms are to take your babies and toddlers?! I’ve got you covered! I’ve listed my local favorites and what you can do there:
Access to the farm includes a pumpkin patch and a petting farm. For an additional cost you can go on train, wagon, and pony rides!
2. Butler’s Orchard: Reservation required, $10/weekdays, $15/weekends per person
Admissions to the farm includes access to the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, giant slides , corn maze , visiting farm animals, and hayrides. There’s also a farmers porch to purchase FOOD! And so much more!!
3. Great Country Farms: Reservations required, $12 adult / $10 child
Admission to the farm includes access to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm play area, which includes rope swings, tractor tires, 6 giant tube slides and more! You also have access to the apple orchard – apples are sold separately.
4. Hartlands Farm & Orchard: No reservation/Admission fee
Pick your own pumpkins and apples! You can also walk and explore the corn maze.
5. Cox Farms: Reservations Required
Enjoy a self-driven hayride from your car (covid edition!) as well as an online market with drive-through pick-up.
I’m so excited, I’m headed to the farm this weekend and there are so many wonderful options to choose from!
How about you?!
Don’t live in the DMV? I’d love to know what your favorite pumpkin patch is in your hometown!
Warmly,
Nadda
P.S. Have you seen the pumpkin song I shared on the gram yet? Your littles are sure to love it!
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Great tips Nadda! Fun and informative blog! Thank you!