For me, Autumn is one of the most magical seasons not just for getting outdoors but also for outdoor learning and of course learning english! As the leaves change colour and the landscapes change, it gives me a feeling of peace—making it the perfect time to learn English through nature and play.
If your child, like mine, is learning English as a foreign language, whether in homeschooling or as support for school, outdoor language learning makes vocabulary meaningful, fun and memorable. If you have been a reader of my earlier posts, you will know I am a great advocator of learning vocabulary prior to getting stuck into grammar!
In this blog, you’ll discover simple autumn activities, crafts and games that help children aged 6–11 practise English using nature and the great outdoors.
Why Learn English Outdoors?
Learning outside can be as hands-on, sensory and meaningful as you make it, exactly what young language learners need! How many times have we heard or read that fresh air and movement help children stay focused and motivated.
Benefits of outdoor English learning:
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Builds vocabulary in real-life situations
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Encourages active listening and speaking (which you know i am a fan of! )
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Boosts confidence and motivation as more relaxed in this environment
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Reduces screen time
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Strengthens family connection
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Supports bilingual learning naturally
Children learn and remember language/vocabulary better when they experience it—not just read it!
So let’s get started
Useful Autumn Vocabulary for Kids 🍂
Here are some simple autumn based words to use while exploring outdoors:
| English Word | German Translation |
|---|---|
| leaf / leaves | Blatt / Blätter |
| tree | Baum |
| acorn | Eichel |
| windy | windig |
| rain | Regen |
| boots | Stiefel |
| squirrel | Eichhörnchen |
| pine cone | Tannenzapfen |
| mushroom | Pilz |
| cold | kalt |
| puddle | Pfütze |
| branch | Ast/Zweig |
Helpful phrases:
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What can you see?
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Can you find a… ?
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I can see a…
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It is cold/windy today.
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Let’s explore!
Here are 5 Outdoor English Learning Activities for Autumn
🍁 1. Autumn Scavenger Hunt
Take a simple nature walk and find items from a checklist.
What to find: a yellow leaf, something round, a stick, a smooth stone, a pinecone
Language to use:
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Find a brown/ yellow leaf.
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Touch a tree.
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What colour is it?
✅ Builds: vocabulary + listening skills
✅ Perfect for beginners
🌿 2. Nature Table Vocabulary Station
Collect small treasures from nature and build a nature table at home. Label each object with English word cards.
Example labels:
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leaf
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stick
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acorn
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feather
Speaking practice:
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This leaf is red.
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The pine cone is small.
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The stone is smooth
✂️ 3. Leaf Friends Craft
A couple of years ago we made some fox leaves, they were so cute! Just find some leaves from a horsechestnut tree and draw some eyes noses and the ears. on my Instagram page I have added a highlight “Autmn” for you to get some ideas. Check it out here. Check out our Instagram Autumn Highlight
Language prompts:
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This is foxy the Leaf.
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He is happy.
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He has two big ears.
✅ Great for building sentences and creativity
🎨 4. Autumn Colour Hunt & Painting
Take colour cards outside and match each colour to nature objects. Back inside, paint an autumn forest scene while talking about colours.
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This leaf is orange.
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These trees are brown.
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I like autumn!
🎲 5. “Simon Says – Autumn Edition”
Get moving while learning English!
Ideas:
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Simon says jump in a puddle
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Simon says run to a tree
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Simon says find 2 leaves
✅ Brilliant for verbs and listening comprehension
Autumn Storytime Idea 📚
End your day with a cosy English book or autumn poem. For these I really love the Brambly Hedge books (especially The Autumn Story) or anything from Beatrix Potter. After reading, ask simple questions:
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Who is in the story?
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What happens next?
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What did you like?
Final Thoughts
Learning English doesn’t have to mean textbooks and worksheets, and at his age it should definitely not!! When children explore outdoors, language comes alive through experience. Autumn is the perfect season for meaningful learning—filled with colours, textures and imagination.
So grab your boots and step outside—nature is the best classroom. 🍂✨
FREEBIE
I have an autumn freebie for you filled with flashcards, colouring pages and much more. Get It Here!
