This Monday was the autumnal equinox, or the first day of autumn (fall) for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. As part of the physical geography curriculum, we’ve been studying the hemispheres in our Montessori classroom; looking at how the seasons change due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis. As part of our botany lessons, we’ve gone out to study deciduous and flowering fruit trees. I’ve been looking for a fun, practical life activity that would tie all of this together.

I was at our local dollar store over the weekend and noticed that they had solid-colored placemats on sale. I immediately thought of having the Montessori students make harvest placemats by painting with apples.

Autumn Activities in the Montessori Classroom: Apple Print Placemats

Harvest Placemats


What You Need:

• Apple (or onions or celery)
• Kitchen knife
• Fabric paint
• Aluminum pie pans
• Paint brush
• Paper towels
• Scrap paper
• Pre-washed solid-colored placemats or tea towels (muslin type)

What You Do:

• Cut an apple in half (either lengthwise or by width). Since you are making stamps, be sure that the cut surfaces are as level as possible.
• Place the slices cut side down on a paper towel to draw out any excess moisture.
• Squeeze some fabric paint into a pie pan and dip the cut side of the apple into the paint. (Alternately, you may use a paint brush to spread the paint on the apple.
• Using a piece of scrap paper, practice stamping with the apple. (If the paint is too thick, you may dilute it with a little water).
• When you are feeling confident with your technique, you may stamp directly on the placemats or towels. Let the finished designs dry flat.
• To wash up, refer to the paint manufacturers directions.

Our back-to-school night is coming up soon, and these will make a beautiful display on the tables in our Montessori classroom. The parents can take them home when the night is over. They will truly become family heirlooms.