Fall Has Fallen

Today I did a lesson in science about leaves and matter. It began with a read aloud about leaves and what occurs when leaves change colors. I then read a story to the kids about a leaf that wouldn't let go of the tree. Next we talked about matter and the properties of matter. Students were told that they would given three leaves to look at, touch, smell...after looking at their leaves they would fill out a chart about the properties they observed. Who would have guessed that children who have spent most if not all of their lives in the northeastern part of the United States would have become so excited when they were given their leaves. Most of the charts did not get finished because the children were having too much fun looking at and talking about their leaves. I was in a real leafy kind of mood when I arrived home to discover that the landlord had swept up a huge pile of leaves in front of our apartment. When we got out of the car, Alivia began playing in the wet leaves and the joy on her face was priceless. It amazing how much pleasure children, and adults, can derive from nature.