These autumn pegboard patterns are a colorful way to keep little hands busy! Children copy seasonal pictures while practicing color matching, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor control. Use the mats with pegboards or try play dough, pom-poms, and buttons.
FREE Autumn Leaf Pegboard Pattern
Try this activity with your kiddos using the free leaf pegboard pattern! Children can copy the orange and yellow design onto a pegboard or cover the large circles with matching materials.
Building Autumn Pictures with Pegs
There’s something satisfying about watching a picture appear as each peg finds its place. Set out a picture mat, a clear pegboard, and a tray of colored pegs, then invite children to choose a design to build.
The autumn tree and pumpkin make a cheerful pairing for a fall activity table. Children can look closely at the tree’s red, orange, and yellow leaves, then find the pegs they need. The pumpkin offers more repetition with its mostly orange design.
Show children how to match both the color and position of each large circle. The small black dots represent spaces to leave empty.
Some children may find it helpful to work on one row or small section at a time. Others may prefer to begin with a recognizable part, such as the tree trunk or pumpkin stem. Encourage them to pause and compare their work with the picture as they go.
Fox and Sunflower Pictures: Autumn Pegboard Patterns
For the pegboard version, gather:
- A square pegboard with at least 10 rows and 10 columns
- Colored pegs that fit your board
- Printed picture mats
- Laminating supplies, if desired
Print the mats on US Letter paper and laminate them for repeated use. There are two ways to set up the activity:
Copy beside the board: Place the picture mat next to the pegboard. Children look between the two as they copy the colors and positions. The printed grid does not need to match the board’s physical size.
Build over the picture: Position a compatible clear pegboard directly over the printed grid. Test one page at 100% print size first and adjust the scale if needed so the holes line up before printing the remaining mats.
Put the pegs in a shallow tray so children can see and select the colors they need.
Sunflower Play Dough Activity
The sunflower mat also works beautifully with play dough. Set out yellow, brown, and green dough, then invite children to roll small balls and gently press them onto the matching circles.
Rolling and pressing gives little fingers plenty to do. Children can begin with the brown center, add the yellow petals, and finish with the green stem and leaves.
There’s no need to finish the whole picture in one sitting. Working on a small section still gives children an opportunity to practice matching colors and controlling their movements.
Use a laminated mat or a reusable pocket so the dough can be lifted off when they finish.
Hedgehog Pom-Pom Activity
The hedgehog mat is a lovely option for a fall fine motor tray. Set out brown, cream, and black pom-poms and invite children to cover the matching circles. They can use their fingers or try tweezers for an extra challenge.
As the hedgehog takes shape, children practice matching colors and carefully placing each pom-pom. Leave the small black dots uncovered so the picture stays clear.
Keep the spare pom-poms in a shallow bowl beside the mat. When the activity is finished, children can sort them back into the bowl, ready for the next person.
Scarecrow Button Activity
Buttons give the scarecrow picture a different texture and plenty of opportunities for careful placement. Offer a small collection of matching colors and let children choose which part to complete first.
They might start with the orange hat, add the yellow hair, or find the black buttons for the eyes and smile. Looking closely at these features helps children connect the individual circles with the picture they are creating.
Choose buttons that fit comfortably inside the circles. Mini counters are another option if you don’t have enough buttons in the colors you need.
More Simple Ways to Use the Autumn Pegboard Patterns
You can change the materials while keeping the activity familiar:
- Round stickers: Children peel and stick matching colors onto the large circles.
- Tissue paper: Scrunch small pieces into balls and glue them onto the picture.
- Mini erasers: Place one small eraser on each large circle.
- Counters: Match the colors and cover the picture, leaving the small black dots visible.
Use unlaminated copies for stickers and gluing. Laminated mats or reusable pockets work well for loose materials that children will remove afterward.
A Quick Note About Pegboards and Printing
For the pegboard activities, you’ll need a square board with at least 10 rows and 10 columns and pegs that fit its holes.
If children are copying from a mat placed beside the board, the printed grid does not need to match the board’s physical size.
If you want to place a clear board directly over the picture, print one page at 100% size and check the alignment first. Adjust the print scale if needed before printing and laminating the remaining mats.
The complete packet also includes a Boards & Pegs supply guide to help you prepare.
Autumn Pegboard Patterns: Setting Up a Fall Fine Motor Tray
You don’t need to put out every design at once. Choose two or three mats, add the materials, and keep the tray somewhere children can return to it.
These activities fit into morning tubs, small groups, or a quiet table activity. Once children know how to use the mats, you can introduce a new picture or change the materials to keep the invitation interesting.
A leaf made with pegs one day might become a sticker picture another day!
Get the Complete Autumn Pegboard Patterns Packet
If your kiddos enjoy the free leaf activity, the complete packet includes 20 autumn picture mats, with designs such as a pumpkin, fox, hedgehog, sunflower, scarecrow, apple, and autumn tree.
Teacher directions include preparation tips and alternative ways to use the mats, along with the Boards & Pegs supply guide.
Happy Teaching! 😊
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