Adulting in Autumn: Fall Word Search & Crossword
Every year, I watch my students navigate the tricky in-between as they leave behind childhood activities, but are not yet sure what to replace them with. They’ve outgrown trick-or-treating, but they’re unsure how to stay social, active, and connected as young adults.
That challenge inspired Adulting in Autumn, a seasonal life-skills activity that helps students discover healthy, age-appropriate ways to celebrate fall and build meaningful traditions of their own.
Through engaging slides, puzzles, and a mini-research challenge, students explore new ways to enjoy the season while strengthening independence, confidence, and community connection.
Why It Matters
When students leave the built-in rhythm of school — with its homecoming weeks, concerts, and holidays — they often find that adult life doesn’t come with the same sense of community. Without those shared routines, time can start to blur.
That’s why creating new traditions matters so much. Research shows that staying socially active and engaged in hobbies is linked to better mental health, stronger relationships, and even longer lives.
Adulting in Autumn helps students start building those habits early. By exploring real-world fall activities, they see that seasonal traditions aren’t just “fun extras” — they’re powerful tools for connection and well-being.
These small moments of celebration help students stay grounded, balanced, and socially connected as they move into adult life.
What’s Included
✔ Presentation Slides (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
Introduce 20 real-world fall activities with explanations, examples, and optional video links. Perfect for class discussions or jigsaw.
✔ Crossword Puzzle (Two Versions)
A fun vocabulary challenge that builds reasoning skills. Use the word-bank version for extra support or the no-bank version for more independence.
✔ Word Search Puzzle
An autumn word search printable that reinforces seasonal vocabulary in a relaxed, low-pressure way. Ideal for warm-ups, transitions, or sub plans.
✔ Vocabulary Reference Sheet
Student-friendly explanations for each Halloween or fall activity that support independent learning.
✔ Optional Note-Taking & Research Worksheet
Students select one fall activity that interests them and research the details — when and where it happens, what it costs, and what they’d need to join in.
✔ Lesson Plan + Answer Keys
Everything you need for smooth, ready-to-use implementation.
Implementation Ideas
Teachers use this flexible activity set in all kinds of creative ways:
Life Skills or Transition Classes: Explore hobbies and community involvement for independent living goals.
Special Education or Adult Ed Programs: Structured and age-appropriate for older learners.
Advisory or SEL Lessons: Prompt discussion about healthy routines and social balance.
Bell Ringers or Sub Plans: Use the puzzles for quick, engaging fillers.
Transition or IEP Goals: Connects to independent living and community participation objectives.
💡 Teacher Tip:
Some teachers introduce one slide per day for two weeks as a mini Fall Adulting Series, while others combine the slides and puzzles into a single 60-minute class project.
Want to dive deeper into the research behind seasonal routines? Read How Seasonal Traditions Promote a Healthy, Happy Adulthood for classroom ideas that build connection all year long.
Curious what this looks like inside? Preview the slides and puzzles here.
Quick Classroom Idea
If you’re not ready to dive into the full activity, try this instead:
Have students brainstorm a list of their favorite childhood fall traditions, then discuss how each one could evolve into a fun, social, and healthy activity in adulthood.
It’s an easy five-minute conversation starter that helps students reflect on growing up while keeping the focus positive and practical.
Why Teachers Love It
Saves prep time — everything’s print-and-go or project-ready.
Builds classroom connection and real-world relevance.
Encourages SEL growth through fun, meaningful discussions.
Works equally well in person or online.
A fall activity that feels grown-up and relevant for older students.
“A fun seasonal activity! My students enjoyed talking about things like haunted houses and game nights.”
— High School Life Skills Teacher
Why Students Love It
Discuss 20 ways to celebrate fall as young adults.
Strengthen vocabulary, planning, and reasoning skills.
Build confidence in exploring community activities.
Enjoy a seasonal twist that still feels mature and meaningful.
Check out the science of these benefits in the blog post:
Common Questions
How long does it take?
About 45–60 minutes, or break it into shorter sessions across the week.
Is it editable?
Slides are editable in PowerPoint and Google Slides. Puzzles and vocabulary sheets are print-ready PDFs.
Is it age-appropriate for older students?
Yes! Designed for teens and adults to explore extracurricular and seasonal activities.
How much prep is needed?
Practically none. Print or project, and you’re ready to go.
Can I pair it with other lessons?
Absolutely. It blends easily with any fall SEL, advisory, or transition unit.
🍂 Ready to Add Some Fall Fun to Your Classroom?
Adulting in Autumn is a ready-to-use fall word search and crossword puzzle set that helps students explore healthy, social, and independent ways to celebrate the season.
👉 Preview the full resource or browse more seasonal puzzles and activities!
