A Time for Change

Fall in love with the season!

Autumn is the perfect time to stay in and relax, or get out and enjoy time with family and friends. Take the time to share some of the beautiful elements that the season has to offer. As the weather cools down, explore the changes that are happening around us. The transition between summer and winter is full of opportunities to use our senses and ask questions.

Magic Words:

• Change
• Solstice
• Light
• Chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis
• Harvest

Explore Leaves

As the days get colder and shorter, take the time to enjoy the seasonal changes of the season outdoors. Early morning, evening or weekend walks are a great way for children to notice the changes in weather and nature. While walking, you may choose to engage in an exploration activity with your child, such as:

• Gathering: Be a leaf collector! Take a Ziplock bag and a magnifying glass (available at your local dollar store) and have your child collect a variety of leaves. Have them look high and low to search for unique leaves with distinct patterns, colors and “beauty marks”. Have them draw their leaves, dip them in paint and stamp on paper or write their observations using descriptive language.

• Playing: Have them sort their leaves mathematically according to their attributes, such as size, shape, color and vein pattern. They can also use their leaves to create pictures!

• Asking Questions: Why do leaves change color? How do they change color? What else falls in Fall? Why are leaves different shapes? Encourage your child to answer questions using their own theories and/or research the answers. They can share their ideas in a variety of ways, or simply collect their ongoing investigation results in a science journal.

• Experimenting: Use basic household supplies and leaves scientifically. First, rip some green leaves into a clear cup. Then, cover the ripped leaves with rubbing alcohol. Put a coffee filter into the liquid. Wait 3-4 hours, giving the filter enough time to absorb the liquid. When the water is absorbed, take out the filter and look at the colors. These colors indicate which colors the leaves will change into when they fall!

Cozy up to a Book

Check out It’s Fall by Linda Glaser. This book is a journey through Fall through the eyes of boy in Grade 1. He describes the many changes that occur such as leaves changing color, how animals hibernate and migrate and why people change their habits as the weather changes. The paper art is vivid and engaging for both children and adults. The suggested activities at the back are fun and easy! For example, collect a seed that can be planted in the spring.

Bruce Goldstone’s book, Awesome Autumn is both visually interesting as well as informative. It is a great choice for independent readers to explore or for parents to read to their children aloud. The facts are simple and precise, but engaging enough for those with a keen interest in the science behind the changes of the seasons.