Printable invitations · Preschool & Reception
Notice, wonder and explore autumn together
A leaf’s tiny details, a new colour or a change worth returning to. These illustrated cards offer starting points for children to explore autumn materials, movement and change through play, with room to follow their own questions and discoveries.
Included with Premium and Professional membership. The download button opens the member resource page; sign in or join if needed.
Take a look inside
Browse two sample card sheets and an extract from the practitioner notes. Each card combines an illustration and invitation with an optional “Wonder” question and vocabulary to share during play.
On smaller screens, scroll or swipe sideways to browse the three watermarked previews. Download the pack for all 10 cards and the complete practitioner notes.
What’s included in the pack?
Six pages altogether: 10 illustrated exploration cards on five A4 sheets, plus one “No need to print” practitioner page with guidance, a contents list and printing information.
Invitations for real exploration
Place a card alongside suitable provision to invite noticing, comparing and trying things out. The pictures suggest possible actions, while the prompt, question and vocabulary help an adult respond to the play as it develops.
Practical support for adults
The notes explain how to introduce the cards, adapt access and choose materials for the children taking part. Editable text and replaceable illustrations let you adapt the Word file for your setting.
Children’s discoveries lead the way. Offer one or two cards when they connect with an interest. Children can repeat an action, try something different or leave the prompt behind as their own idea develops. The cards can be revisited in any order.
Using the cards in your provision
Choose a small selection of suitable materials and give children time to explore what they notice. Use what is available locally, with adult support and adaptations that make the experience accessible.
Offer a starting point
Choose an invitation that connects with the children’s play. Read it aloud if useful and make materials easy to reach. A shared look at the picture can help a child choose how they want to begin.
Watch, comment and wonder
Notice what catches a child’s attention before adding a question. Share useful words through talk, gestures, signs or communication aids, then pause. The “Wonder” prompt is there when it helps the exploration.
Return to a discovery
Allow repetition and notice what changes when one thing is different. Children might revisit a find, talk about a photograph or make marks to remember something. Recording is an option, and discoveries can also be shared through actions.
Different ways to join in
Offer floor, seated or table-height access, suitable grips and a small choice of materials. Children can watch, point, choose, direct an adult or use a communication aid. Offer tools or alternatives for textures a child prefers not to touch.
Explore indoors or outside
A card can sit beside indoor provision or accompany an outdoor discovery. Bring suitable checked materials to a reachable space, or revisit something outdoors through photographs. Keep familiar provision available alongside the seasonal additions.
Who are the cards designed for?
Preschool and Reception children can explore the invitations with suitable materials and adult support. The notes also suggest simpler toddler experiences and separate sensory ideas for babies. These adaptations are not a recommendation to give younger children the small natural finds pictured on the cards.
Do children need to read the cards or answer the questions?
No. Adults can share the invitation and model words as the play unfolds. “Wonder” questions are optional, and children can communicate through their usual ways of showing and sharing. There is no requirement to complete a card, record an answer or copy its illustration.
What should we print?
Choose cards from pages 2–6 and print on portrait A4 at actual size. Each sheet has two cards to cut apart and place beside provision. Page 1 contains practitioner guidance and the contents list, so there is no need to print it.
What should we consider when choosing materials?
Follow the pack’s preparation guidance and choose materials for the children using them. Keep conkers, acorns, seeds and loose leaf pieces away from under-threes and children who mouth objects. Do not taste finds or collect fungi or unknown plants. Adults cut pumpkins; water play needs continuous supervision and trays emptied afterwards. Check materials before use, remove decaying finds and wash hands after handling them.
Download the Autumn Explore & Investigate Cards
Keep the cards ready for an autumn interest that appears in the moment, or choose a starting point for your investigation provision.
Included with Premium and Professional membership. Already a member? Follow the download button and sign in if prompted.
You might also find these useful
Follow a discovery into maths, building, making or recording. “View resource details” opens a public information page; “View member resource” opens a download gallery where sign-in may be needed.
Resource and preview images © Little Owls Resources.