20 Creative Toddler November Crafts for Fall Fun

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Power of Creative Play in Speech Development
3. 20 Simple Toddler November Crafts
4. Why Screen Time Can Be "Smart" Time
5. Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family
6. Practical Tips for Crafting with Toddlers
7. Encouraging a Love for Communication
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever watched your toddler’s face light up when they hear the satisfying crunch of a dried leaf under their boots? There is something truly magical about November. The air turns crisp, the trees shed their vibrant cloaks of gold and crimson, and families begin to gather closer as the holidays approach. For a little one, this season is a sensory playground filled with new textures, smells, and colors. But beyond the fun, these moments are golden opportunities for language development.

At Speech Blubs, our mission is to empower children to "speak their minds and hearts." We know that the best learning happens through play, and what better way to play than with hands-on toddler november crafts? Our company was born from the personal experiences of our founders, who all grew up with speech challenges themselves. They created the tool they wished they had—a joyful, effective solution for the 1 in 4 children who need speech support. We believe in blending scientific principles with the simple joy of childhood creativity to create "smart screen time" experiences that actually move the needle on communication.

In this post, we’re going to explore 20 engaging, simple, and developmentally rich craft ideas specifically designed for toddlers. We will show you how to turn a simple paper plate or a handful of acorns into a gateway for new words, sounds, and confidence. We’ll also discuss how you can pair these activities with our unique video modeling methodology to help your child find their voice. Our goal isn't just to keep your toddler busy; it’s to foster a love for communication and create joyful family learning moments that last long after the glue has dried.

The Power of Creative Play in Speech Development

Before we dive into the glue and glitter, it’s important to understand why we advocate for these activities. Crafting is more than just a way to decorate your fridge. For a toddler, it’s a complex exercise in following directions, practicing fine motor skills, and expanding their vocabulary. When you sit down to make a turkey or a leaf crown, you are creating a "communication temptation."

For example, if your child is a "late talker" who loves animals, making a turkey craft provides the perfect setup. You can use the "Animal Kingdom" section of the Speech Blubs app to watch peers make "gobble gobble" sounds. By watching other children—our "video models"—your toddler’s mirror neurons are activated, making them more likely to imitate the sound themselves. This peer-to-peer connection is at the heart of our scientific approach.

If you are ever unsure about where your child stands in their development, you can take our quick 3-minute preliminary screener. It involves just 9 simple questions and provides an assessment and a next-steps plan to help you support your little one’s journey.

20 Simple Toddler November Crafts

1. The Classic Handprint Turkey

This is a staple for a reason. It captures a moment in time while allowing your child to explore the sensation of paint on their skin.

• What to do: Paint your child’s palm brown and their fingers various autumnal colors. Press it onto paper.
• Speech Tip: Focus on the names of the colors. Say, "Look at the red finger!" or "The turkey says gobble."
• App Connection: Check out the "Early Words" section in Speech Blubs to practice animal sounds and simple nouns.

2. Leaf Suncatchers

Using the beautiful leaves you find on your morning walks, you can create a stained-glass effect for your windows.

• What to do: Place dried leaves between two pieces of clear contact paper. Cut them into circles or leaf shapes.
• Speech Tip: Talk about "light," "bright," and the different "shapes" you see.

3. Paper Plate Pumpkin Pie

November isn't complete without pie! This craft is great for practicing "cutting" (with safety scissors or tearing paper).

• What to do: Color a paper plate orange. Glue a cotton ball in the center for "whipped cream."
• Speech Tip: Use action words like "cut," "glue," "press," and "yum!"

4. Pinecone Turkeys

Go on a nature hunt to find the perfect pinecone body for this feathered friend.

• What to do: Use colorful feathers or construction paper cutouts for the tail and googly eyes for the face.
• Speech Tip: Pinecones are "bumpy" or "prickly." Use these descriptive words to build their sensory vocabulary.

5. Corn Cob Painting

This is a fantastic sensory activity that creates a unique texture on the page.

• What to do: Dip a dried corn cob in paint and roll it across a large piece of paper.
• Speech Tip: Focus on the rolling motion. Say "Roll, roll, roll!" This repetitive language is great for toddlers.

6. Acorn Shakers

Music and rhythm are closely tied to speech patterns.

• What to do: Fill a clean, dry plastic bottle or a small container with acorns. Seal it tightly.
• Speech Tip: Shake the bottle and say "Loud!" then "Quiet." This helps children understand volume and tone.

7. Toilet Paper Roll Pilgrims

Recycle your cardboard rolls into little characters for imaginative play.

• What to do: Wrap the rolls in construction paper to create clothes and hats.
• Speech Tip: Use these "people" to practice social language. Have the pilgrims say "Hello" or "How are you?"

8. Leaf Monsters

Sometimes, nature needs a little personality!

• What to do: Take large maple leaves and glue on googly eyes and "teeth" made of paper scrap.
• Speech Tip: This is great for practicing "silly" faces. Encourage your child to roar like a monster!

9. Pumpkin Wreaths

A beautiful way to decorate the front door and celebrate the harvest.

• What to do: Cut the center out of a paper plate and have your child glue on orange paper squares or painted pumpkin cutouts.
• Speech Tip: Discuss the concept of a "circle" and "round" shapes.

10. Apple Stamping

Even though apples are often associated with September, they are a core part of November feasts.

• What to do: Cut an apple in half, dip it in red or yellow paint, and use it as a stamp.
• Speech Tip: Practice the "A" sound. "A is for Apple." You can find more letter-based fun in our Reading Blubs app, which is included in our Yearly plan.

11. Hedgehog Plate Craft

Hedgehogs are busy preparing for winter in November, making them a relevant animal to talk about.

• What to do: Fold a paper plate in half and have your child color it brown. Cut small slits along the curved edge to represent quills.
• Speech Tip: For a child who loves animals, the "Animal Kingdom" section offers a fun, motivating way to practice "sniff" or "hiss" sounds while looking at the hedgehog.

12. Scarecrow Paper Bag Puppet

Puppets are one of the most effective tools for encouraging a child to talk.

• What to do: Use a brown paper lunch bag. The flap becomes the face. Add a triangle hat and some yarn for hair.
• Speech Tip: Put the puppet on your hand and ask your child questions. Often, a toddler will talk to a puppet even if they are shy with adults!

13. Coffee Filter Turkeys

The way colors bleed on a coffee filter is mesmerizing for young children.

• What to do: Let your child color a coffee filter with markers, then spray it with a little water. Once dry, attach a clothespin "body."
• Speech Tip: Talk about the colors "spreading" and "mixing."

14. Mason Jar Lanterns

As the sun sets earlier, these lanterns provide a warm, comforting glow.

• What to do: Glue bits of yellow and orange tissue paper to a glass jar. Use a battery-operated tea light inside.
• Speech Tip: Practice the words "dark" and "light" or "on" and "off."

15. The "I am Thankful" Tree

November is the month of gratitude. This craft helps introduce an abstract but important concept.

• What to do: Draw a tree trunk on a large piece of paper. Cut out leaf shapes. Every day, ask your child what they like (e.g., "grapes," "doggy," "Mommy") and write it on a leaf to glue to the tree.
• Speech Tip: This builds "categories" in their mind (foods I like, people I love).

16. Popcorn Harvest Bags

A tasty and tactile craft!

• What to do: Fill a clear plastic bag with popcorn. Tie it with a green ribbon so it looks like an ear of corn.
• Speech Tip: Focus on the "P" sound. "Pop, pop, popcorn!"

17. Nature Crowns

Let your toddler be the king or queen of the forest.

• What to do: Cut a strip of cardboard to fit your child’s head. Go outside and find leaves, twigs, and small feathers to glue on.
• Speech Tip: Use positional words like "on top," "beside," and "under."

18. Handprint Wreath

Similar to the handprint turkey, but focusing on the collective "family" feel.

• What to do: Trace and cut out several handprints from orange, red, and yellow paper. Glue them in a circle.
• Speech Tip: Count the fingers! "One, two, three, four, five!"

19. Bottle Cap Turkeys

Don't throw away those plastic bottle caps; they make perfect little turkey faces.

• What to do: Glue a bottle cap onto a card, add tiny eyes, and draw feathers around it.
• Speech Tip: Small objects require "fine motor" precision, which is closely linked to the precision needed for speech sounds.

20. Fingerprint Corn

A great way to practice using just one finger at a time (isolation).

• What to do: Draw an oval for the corn. Have your child dip their finger in yellow paint and make "kernels" all over the oval.
• Speech Tip: Focus on the "C" sound. "C-c-corn."

Why Screen Time Can Be "Smart" Time

We understand that many parents feel guilty about screen time. However, at Speech Blubs, we provide a screen-free alternative to passive viewing (like cartoons) and instead offer a powerful tool for family connection. Our app is designed to be used with you.

When you download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play, you aren't just handing your child a tablet to keep them quiet. You are giving them a digital playground where they can see other kids—their peers—succeeding at communication. This "video modeling" is backed by science and has helped thousands of families find joy in the learning process. You can read some of their heartwarming success stories here.

"Our approach isn't about making a child perform; it’s about reducing frustration and building the foundational skills they need to express who they are."

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Family

We want to be transparent about our pricing because we believe in the value we provide. We offer two main ways to join our community:

1. Monthly Plan: $14.99 per month. This is a great way to test the waters and see how your child responds to our video modeling method.
2. Yearly Plan: $59.99 per year. This is our clear best-value choice, breaking down to just $4.99 per month.

When you choose the Yearly plan, you aren't just saving 66%. You also get access to high-value features that are not included in the monthly plan:

• A 7-day free trial to explore everything risk-free.
• The Reading Blubs app, which helps transition speech skills into early literacy.
• Early access to new updates and a 24-hour support response time from our dedicated team.

Ready to get started? Create your account and begin your 7-day free trial today.

Practical Tips for Crafting with Toddlers

To make your toddler november crafts session a success, keep these tips in mind:

• Focus on the Process, Not the Product: Your toddler’s turkey might look more like a blob of brown paint, and that is perfectly okay! The goal is the conversation you have while making it.
• Prepare Everything in Advance: Toddlers have short attention spans. Have your paper cut, your glue open, and your paint poured before you invite them to the table.
• Narrate Everything: Act like a sports commentator for your child’s life. "You are picking up the sticky glue. Now you are putting it on the yellow leaf!"
• Use Visual Aids: If you are making an owl, show them a picture of an owl, or better yet, show them the owl section in Speech Blubs. Seeing and doing together reinforces the learning.

Encouraging a Love for Communication

At the end of the day, these crafts are a vehicle for connection. Whether you are building a "thankful tree" or a paper bag scarecrow, you are telling your child that their ideas and their efforts matter. You are building their confidence, reducing the frustration that often comes with speech delays, and creating a safe space for them to experiment with sounds.

We don't promise that your child will be giving public speeches in a month. Development is a journey, not a race. However, we do know that by fostering a love for communication and providing the right tools, you can create joyful family learning moments that make a world of difference. Speech Blubs is designed to be a powerful supplement to your child's overall development plan and professional therapy.

Conclusion

November is a season of transition and reflection. By engaging in these toddler november crafts, you are leaning into the beauty of the season while actively supporting your child’s speech and language goals. From the tactile joy of corn cob painting to the social play of paper bag puppets, every activity is a step toward helping your child "speak their minds and hearts."

We invite you to join our global family of over 5 million parents who have turned to Speech Blubs for support. Whether you use our app to supplement professional therapy or as a way to engage in "smart screen time" at home, we are here to walk this path with you.

Don't wait to start building those foundational skills. Download Speech Blubs on the App Store or Google Play to begin. For the best value and access to all our exclusive features, including Reading Blubs and our 7-day free trial, be sure to select the Yearly plan. Let’s make this November a month of breakthroughs, one craft at a time.

FAQ

1. My toddler still puts everything in their mouth. Are these crafts safe? Many of these crafts use natural items like leaves and pinecones, but you should always supervise your child closely. For edible-safe options, try the "Popcorn Harvest Bags" or use homemade flour-and-water "glue" and food-grade paints. Always ensure googly eyes and small buttons are glued securely or replaced with drawings for younger toddlers to avoid choking hazards.

2. How long should a crafting session last for a 2-year-old? At this age, attention spans are typically between 5 and 10 minutes. Don't feel pressured to finish a craft in one sitting. If they lose interest, it’s okay to stop and come back to it later. The goal is the "joyful learning moment," not a completed masterpiece!

3. Can these crafts really help with my child’s speech delay? While crafts alone aren't a "cure," they are excellent tools for speech stimulation. They provide a context for learning new nouns, verbs, and adjectives. When paired with a tool like Speech Blubs, which uses peer-to-peer video modeling, you are creating a multi-sensory environment that encourages imitation and vocalization.

4. What if my child gets frustrated with the craft? If your child gets frustrated, take a break. You can pivot to a "smart screen time" moment by opening Speech Blubs and watching a fun video together. Sometimes seeing another child perform a simple task or make a silly sound can reset their mood and give them the confidence to try again. Remember, the focus is on building confidence, not perfection.