Nature is calling but maybe not in the way you think. The vibrant fall colours are certainly calling to me. I’m struck by the deep reds, explosive orange and yellows, all contrasting the ever-greens. Albert Camus has said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” At this time of year, I savour the view and love the sound as the leaves crunch beneath my feet.
Is nature calling your class outside?
Take a quiet walk together and then freewrite outdoors: “I see…”, “I hear…”, “I notice…”, “I feel…”
Gather in the grass to read your favourite fall book:
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
- Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak
- If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro
- The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
- Leaves by David Ezra Stein
- Little Tree by Loren Long
- The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
Complete a reader response entry after your read-aloud: “This reminds me of…”, “My favourite part of this book…”, “I love…”, “Nature is…”
Ask each student to collect leaves to use in an art project later in the day!
Listen to the call of nature… the possibilities are endless!