Autumn Woods Activities -- PreK-2

Pre Visit

Key words –  woodland, community, habitat, climate, gallKey words: woodland, community, habitat, climate, gall

A woodland is a place where trees grow.  Many animals and other sorts of organisms live there.  The whole forms a community.  Trees form the structure for the community.  The many layers of the woodland provided places for animal habitats.  The nature of a woodland is influenced by many factors.  Climate is a very important factor in a woodland.

Autumn in New England is a time of great change.  The woodlands that have provided shade in the summer are now changing colors.  As the trees prepare for winter, we see a fiery display of color.

Brainstorm with the children: What causes the changes in color.  Was it the unusually hot and dry summer?  Is it the colder weather?  The longer nights?  (It’s a combination of all these things – the earlier the cold weather sets in, the sooner the colors change).  If there is a cold snap in August, we will have an earlier foliage season – if it stays warm into September, it will be a later than usual fall foliage season.  When it is a dry season, the trees cannot produce as much sugar and this lowers the intensity of the reds.

Book to read to students Why Do Leaves Change Color  by Betsy Maestro.

Activity 1 Divide the children into groups of four.  In each group place a box of a variety of leaves.  Let each child pick ten leaves.  Discuss how the leaves are similar and different.  Let the children decide which leaves should be grouped together and place them in three different groups.  They should have at least two in a group.  Ask the children how they grouped their leaves.  All the leaves do not need to be used.

Activity 2 Have the children try to find leaf motels and restaurants.  Ask them to find leaves that have holes or bumps (galls) on them.  Holes are where small animals have been eating.  Bumps or galls are where small animals are spending part of their lives.

Post Visit

	Activity 1 Have the children design mobiles around the theme of seasonal change.  Color fall leaves, cut out pictures of animals and birds that stay here for the winter.  Don’t forget to include pine tree leaves.  Attach objects to strings and hang from hangers.
	Activity 2 Collect materials on our trail walk and show them to the students.  (You should handle the mushrooms and berries).  Using picture cards of various animals, let the children match them with the objects that they eat.