Seasons Tree

So, we started our Seasons Unit this week and I have been scouring pinterest in hope of finding something new or exciting that I could do. Unfortunately there just weren't that many ideas so I came up with my own based off of this painting:

First, we made a poster talking and explaining the differences between each of the seasons (I use sticky-notes for this). Then we talked about what we wanted to achieve with this art project (i.e. to show the seasons changing). Then I went through the instructions with the kids as follows (this is a great activity for the kids to practice listening skills):

1. Start with the earth/ the ground.
2. What color should the (or usually is) ground be in winter? A: White
3. Color that section white.
4. What color does the ground start to be in the spring? A: Light Green (it's coming to life!)
5. Color that section light green.
6 What color does your grass turn to in summer? A: Green
7. Great! Color your summer grass dark green!
8. What happens with your grass at the end of summer and in fall? A: It starts to turn yellow
9. Color your grass in fall yellow!
10. DO NOT draw pictures on this paper or draw leaves on the tree, that will come later.

Then show them how to put on the leaves. I used white "snowballs" for winter, pink "buds" for spring, green leaves for summer, and red/orange/brown leaves for fall.

I have my kids take one in their hands squish it up, dip the bottom in glue and put it on their paper.
Show them where each color goes and how to get the glue on the paper without getting it all over their hands.

They really turned out cute and the kids loved doing it! It was also good for me to see who could follow the directions and how well they were doing with their fine motor skills.

TOO MUCH FUN!

This is the template I used:

Just click here to download the Seasons Tree!