Change Over Time - Fall

Fall Tree

Signs of Fall
As summer turns to fall, what changes can you see and feel?  Fall days are shorter and cooler.  Some days can be windy and cold.  In our town leaves on trees begin to change color.  Fall is the harvest season. Farmers harvest crops such as potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. Children are busy at school during the fall.

Plants in Fall 
Plants are getting ready for winter.  Deciduous trees lose their leaves.  First the leaves change color.  Green leaves change to yellow, orange, red, or brown.  Then the leaves fall.  Some plants die after dropping their seeds.  Many others only look like they are dead.  The bulbs and roots of these plants are still alive underground.

In the Garden
Many plants drop their seeds in fall.  Annual plants live for just one year.  These plants grow, drop their seeds and then die.  Their seeds may grow into new plants next year.  Many vegetables are annual plants. Carrots, pumpkins, lettuce, and onions are all annuals.

Fall Food
Pumpkins and apples are fall foods.  In fall, many vegetables, such as pumpkins, and carrots, are sweet and ready to eat.  Some kinds of mushrooms grown in forests and fields.  Apples and some pears are picked in fall.  They are fresh and delicious.

People in Fall
People spend more time indoors in fall.  In fall people wear sweaters, jackets, and long pants.  Children are working hard at school.  Fall festivals celebrate the end of the farming year.  Thanksgiving is a fall holiday.

Animals In Fall
Some animals need to prepare for the coming winter.  Animals such as bears and foxes grow thicker coats. Squirrels, mice, and beavers store food for winter.  Large flocks of migrating birds fly away from the cold. They will spend the winter in a warmer place.  In spring they will return to their summer home.