The Life of a Fall Leaf for First Grade
A short cut-and-sequence science activity that helps 1st graders learn why leaves change color in fall and how a leaf changes over the season. Students read a brief passage about chlorophyll, then cut out four pictures and glue them in order from green summer leaf to fallen leaf, building reading comprehension and sequencing skills. A second page on leaf parts and colors extends the lesson.
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a whole-class science lesson during an autumn unit, reading the passage aloud first and pointing to the leaf picture while you discuss what chlorophyll does.
- Discussion question: Why do you think the green color goes away when the weather gets cold? What other changes do you notice on trees in the fall?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: pre-cut the pictures, read the passage together, and talk through each picture before students glue them in order.
- Extension for advanced students: have them write one or two sentences describing each step in their own words, or sort leaves they collect outside by color.
- Estimated time: about 30 minutes for the sequencing activity, plus 10 to 15 minutes for the leaf parts page if you use it.
The Life of a Fall Leaf for First Grade
A short cut-and-sequence science activity that helps 1st graders learn why leaves change color in fall and how a leaf changes over the season. Students read a brief passage about chlorophyll, then cut out four pictures and glue them in order from green summer leaf to fallen leaf, building reading comprehension and sequencing skills. A second page on leaf parts and colors extends the lesson.
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this as a whole-class science lesson during an autumn unit, reading the passage aloud first and pointing to the leaf picture while you discuss what chlorophyll does.
- Discussion question: Why do you think the green color goes away when the weather gets cold? What other changes do you notice on trees in the fall?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: pre-cut the pictures, read the passage together, and talk through each picture before students glue them in order.
- Extension for advanced students: have them write one or two sentences describing each step in their own words, or sort leaves they collect outside by color.
- Estimated time: about 30 minutes for the sequencing activity, plus 10 to 15 minutes for the leaf parts page if you use it.