Things Are Changing! Lesson Plan
What We Are Learning
Science Focus:
signs of autumn
Theme Vocabulary:
autumn, leaves, squirrels, red, orange, yellow, gathering, chill, bundle
Skills We’re Practicing:
group discussion, critical thinking, vocabulary, letter recognition
- Fall Leaves Fall by Zoe Hall is a story about two brothers who anticipate the arrival of fall. As you read this story with your students, ask them to share whether they have had similar experiences as the two brothers from the story.
Materials: basket or reusable bag; leaves; twine or string; clips or clothespins; white chart paper; markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Explore shadow and light to make lovely leaf creations.
- Go for a walk with your class, taking along a basket or a reusable bag. Have students collect leaves that they find interesting. Ask them to notice the shape, size, and color of each leaf when they place them into the basket.
- Back in the classroom, hang the leaves on a string near a window. Place a large sheet of white chart paper under the leaves so they cast a shadow onto the paper. Place a cup of markers, crayons, or colored pencils nearby.
- Have students trace the leaf shadows on the paper and color them in. After several students have had a chance to create leaf drawings, gather in the meeting area to discuss the art together. Ask students to share what they notice and to describe the experience. fine-motor skills
Materials: leaves; tray; card stock; markers, crayons, or colored pencils; glue sticks; craft materials, such as pipe cleaners, googly eyes, or buttons (optional)
- Use leaves to make awesome autumn people!
- Set out a tray of leaves at the center of a table. Give each student a sheet of card stock and a glue stick. Tell students that they will use real leaves to create leaf people. They can create one leaf person, a family of leaf people, or a couple of leaf “friends.”
- Have students sift through the leaves to find ones they like. Guide them as they position the leaves on the card stock, making sure to leave enough space for arms and legs.
- Next have students glue the leaves to the paper. Then they can add arms, legs, and other features. They can use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to draw or use other craft materials. When all students have made leaf people, gather to discuss their creations. For added creativity, have students name their leaf people and tell a story about them. (Where are they going? What do they like to do?) art-finemotor skills/storytelling