EDG 612

Thematic Unit for Kindergarten

Autumn Leaves

Carla Crowell
08/01/14

Table of Contents

Philosophy and Overarching Goal

My teaching philosophy is that all children will be in an environment in which they will feel
safe, nurtured, and become an important contributor to our classroom family. Our room will have an
atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Lamps will be throughout the room, especially at reading
centers, a rocker and smaller, kid friendly furniture for quiet reading. The children' s artwork will
always be displayed and the children will definitely create and decorate for holiday themed times of the
year. I will choose my themes according to the times of the year (seasons, holidays). My goal is to
provide an effective classroom that will be child-centered, practical, creative with high standards that
empower children. My classroom will be professionally sound, and will address all learning styles and
involve children parents and staff.

Theme or Concept
I selected my theme on Autumn leaves because children have such an anticipation for the
holidays that follow. The children love the colors that come with Autumn, the changing of the colors of
leaves, pumpkins, and apples in harvest and Halloween- All leading up to such an exciting time of the
year! The children love jumping in leaves and exploring the bright colors of red, orange, yellow,
purple, and brown that fall brings. During this unit children will learn why leaves change colors in the
fall and turn brown and die. Children will observe leaves using all of their senses. We will have a guest
speaker who is a landscape artist and will bring many leaves for observation and will teach the kids
about composting. Throughout this unit, students will discover that with the passing of time seasons
come and pass and with it is a changing physical environment. This theme's focus is on all of the
students playing an interactive role in learning and assessment. Attitudes and feelings will be self
evident. I decided to teach this theme because it follows the primary source for curriculum guidance,
the state, the school system, and grade level objectives.

Curriculum Outline

Language: We will discuss the colors of Autumn leaves, how they provide us with shade in the
summer, and in the fall provide a beautiful landscape of colors. We will read, Cliffords First
Autumn, and brain storm fall words and copy them to our journal.

Math: As a group we will discuss how many leaves fall off one tree. Next we will read, Red
leaf, Yellow Leaf. Students will be dismissed and assigned a graphing worksheet using
different colored leaves.

Social Studies: We will read, Community Helpers From A to Z, and discuss community
workers in our town. Students will return to seats and we will be visited by a guest speaker- A
landscaper. He will bring various autumn leaves to share and will teach the kids about
composting. Discussions will include the uses of fallen leaves.

Science: We will read the book, Why Do Leaves Change Color, and sing an autumn leaves
song. Next we will go to assigned groups and conduct an experiment on the real color of a leaf.
Students and teacher will discuss the results of experiment.

Technology: Here we will take a virtual field trip to the Adirondacks in Northeastern New York.
We will read the book, We're Going on A Leaf Hunt, and will discuss what we saw in the
book and video.

Art: During this lesson we will listen to the story, I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some
Leaves. Next students will make their own leaves by tracing their hand on top of a tree trunk
and making leaves with their fingerprints and paints.

Resources and Materials

Lesson 1: Language

The book, Cliffords First Autumn

orange, yellow, red, purple, brown leaves
chart paper and markers

writing journals
colored pencils and number 2 pencils
crayons

Lesson 2: Math

The book, Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert

2 worksheets- leaf graph, matching leaves
Glue
Scissors
Pencils
Frosted leaf shaped cookies

Lesson 3: Social Studies

The book, Community Helpers From A to Z.

Colored Pencils
Journal booklets
pencils

Lesson 4: Science

The book, Why do Leaves Change Color, by Betty Maestro

Leaves
Rubbing Alcohol
Spoons
Jars
Bowls
Hot water
Plastic Wraps
Coffee Filters

Lesson 5: Technology

Computer with internet access

Computer with overhead screen
The book, We're Going on A Leaf Hunt, by Steven Metzger.
Drawing Paper
Crayons
Colored Pencils

Lesson 6: Art

Leaf Song
Pre cut tree trunks
yellow, red, orange purple and brown finger paints

The book, There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves, by Lucille Colandro,
Water Containers
White and tan construction paper
Glue and pencils

Organization
Our unit theme will last up to 3-4 weeks and will lead into other aspects and fall also. Included
is a daily schedule, but we change it around when necessary to fit the classroom needs.
Monday-Friday
9:05-9:25- Put items in locker and wash hands for breakfast.
9:30-10:10- Group circle time-read story, zoo phonics, sight words.
10:10-10:40- Back to seats, write spelling words, read text story together, language activities.
10:40-11:10- science, social studies
11:10-11:50- Center time, while small groups read with teacher.
11:50-12:05- Clean up and get ready for lunch.
12:05-12:35- Lunch/Recess.
12:40-1:40- Specials- gym, music, art time.
1:40-2:00- Rest time with soothing music, snack.
2:00-2:30- Whole group math.
2:35-3:00- Recess.
3:00-3:40-Group circle time, story, discussion of the days lesson.
3:40-3:50-Clean up, get ready to go home.
Our classroom has center time with different centers every other day. We have a science center
with a pet hamster and hands on manipulatives, computer center, craft center, and several quiet reading
areas. A play center with Lego's, dolls, building blocks, and a grocery store center is available to all
children when work is completed.

Lesson Plan # 1 - language

Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 7/5/14
Age/Grade Level: Kindergarten
Title Of Lesson: Learning Autumn Words.
Big Ideas: Children will discuss the different colors of autumn by naming fall leave colors and will
brainstorm other words relating to the fall season.
Learning Outcomes: The students will learn how autumn is one of the most anticipated, colorful
seasons of the year, with the most brilliant of colors. We will discuss the word, leaves, and autumn,
and the colors related to the season, while we brainstorm other fall words.
Standards:

Explore how the characteristics of various narrative genre and story elements can be
used to convey ideas and perspectives.
Figurative and descriptive language, punctuation and grammar to construct and convey
meaning.
Make connections with situations and events.

Materials Needed:

The book, Clifford' s First Autumn.

Orange, yellow, red, purple, and brown leaves.
Chart Paper, and markers.
Writing Journals
Colored pencils, and # 2 pencils.
Crayons

Procedures:
Activities:

At the circle group meeting area, the teacher will talk about how leaves are all around us
leaves change color, they are found on trees, and they fall to the ground and we rake
them.
Students will listen as the teacher reads, Clifford' s First Autumn.
We will discuss what changes Clifford saw in the environment his first autumn.
The teacher will pass around different colored leaves and will explain to children what
tree each leaf came from.
Children will look at the color, shape, and texture of each leaf.
The teacher will ask students to state different names of colored leaves that they
observed. The teacher writes the color name on chart paper and draws a picture next to it
to match.
After all the different leaf colors are named and drawn, the students will brainstorm
other fall words while the teacher writes the word on the chart paper and models several
illustrations.
Children are dismissed to their seats and will brainstorm other autumn words, or will
copy at least 5 words from the teachers model and will illustrate a picture to match in
their journals.

Closure: After children have written autumn words in their journal, they may have free time to color
their own autumn scene using words that we brainstormed for fall, such as: orange pumpkins, red
leaves, white ghosts.
Enrichment and Extensions: Students will continue to write different autumn words in their journal
daily for the next week. Teacher could make an extension by having the children write a leaf or fall
poem or short story.
Assessment:

The teacher will check all student journals to see if they correctly copied the words from the chart
paper, and will observe drawings to see if student followed directions. Any problem areas found for any
student will give the teacher the opportunity to work one on one with that student.

Lesson Plan # 2 - Math

Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 07/11/14
Age/Level: Kindergarten/1st
Subject: Math
Title Of Lesson: Graphing Leaves
Big Idea: Students will use counting and graphing to answer questions at the conclusion of the
assignment.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will use their bar graph to match the correct leaves to the correct coordinate on the
graph.
Students will be able to look at their bar graph and answer which row of leaves has the
most, least, and same amount.
Standards:
Children will understand numbers by using various ways to represent them.
Students will develop an increasing interest and awareness of numbers and counting as a
means for determining quantity and solving problems.
Materials Needed:
The book, Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert.
2 worksheets, one with the leaf graph and questions, the other, with the matching leaves
to be cut out.
Glue
Scissors
Pencils
Frosted Leaf Cookies
Procedures:
Introduction: Students will sit in a circle for morning meeting time. The teacher will ask students to

talk about what things do they know that fall, in the fall. Most students will answer leaves and then we
will read the book, Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf. Then students will be asked how many leaves do they
think fall off a tree in the autumn? We will then discuss that we can only estimate that number but we
will do a fun activity with leaves where we can actually count how many leaves fell off a tree.
Transition: Students will return to their seats and will wait for instructions and for their worksheet
assignment.
Activities: (steps in activities)
Tell the students to look at their colored leaf worksheet and cut out all of the colored leaves,
being careful to place them in a pile so that they aren't lost.
After the children cut out the colored leaves they may start to glue them next to the correctly
colored leaf on their graphing chart.
When all students are done the teacher and students will answer questions together on the
worksheet from observing their bar graphs.
How many brown and yellow leaves are there?
How many orange leaves did you have?
Which color leaf had the most?
Which color leaf had the least amount?
How many leaves were in all?
Closure: Discuss with students other things that we could graph. Ask how they read the answer by
looking at the graphs. Pass out frosted fall colored, leaf shaped sugar cookies for treat.
Enrichments and Extensions: Have the students go on an outdoor nature walk. Find a tree with
different colored leaves and assign groups a color to count, after counting have students compare their
leaves and results. Go on a leave hunt just for fun and discuss observations.
Assessment: Observe students as they work with the graphing work sheets and record progress for
each child. Do the students know how to read a bar graph? Are there any students who are having
trouble counting? If so, small group work with the teacher would be beneficial to any student who may
be struggling.

Lesson Plan # 3 Social Studies

Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 7/19/14
Age/Grade level: kindergarten, 1st
Subject: Social Studies
Title Of Lesson: Community Workers/landscaper as guest speaker.

Big Ideas: Children will learn the various jobs that people have throughout their community. Children
will discover how these peoples jobs help citizens living within the community. Students will learn
about what a landscapers job consists of and how he helps the community.
Learning Outcomes: Students will gain a better understanding of one community member imparticular, a guest landscaper. Students will observe beautiful fall colored leaves and will be taught a
lesson in composting leaves when they can no longer provide us with shade.
Standards:
G2.0.1: Identify and describe places in the immediate environment.
G5.0.1: Describe ways people use the environment to meet human needs and wants, (food,
shelter and clothing.)
Materials Needed:
The book, Community Helpers From A to Z, by Bobbie Kalman.
Colored pencils
Journal Booklet With A to Z pages
Pencils
Procedures:
Introduction: We will sit at circle and read the book, Community Helpers From A to Z. daily over
the course of a week. At the conclusion of the story we will talk about our local community and I will
begin asking students to name people who are workers or are helpers within the community. The
students should be able to name at least 5 to 10 occupations within the community, such as; Police,
teacher, dentist, firefighters, grocery clerk, etc...
Transition: I will explain to students that we are going to have a guest speaker who is a landscaper.
Next I will ask if anyone knows what a landscaper does. After we discuss their questions and answers
they will be dismissed to their seats to await our guest.
Activities (steps in activities)
1. Explain to students that they must show respect to our guest by not asking questions until
his presentation is complete.
2. They must raise their hands and be called upon to ask a question.
3. Our guest speaker will be introduced to the kids.
4. The guest speaker will show us many different colored fall leaves brought in from trees at
his landscaping business.
5. The speaker will explain how autumn leaves can be used after they have died and fallen off
trees by explaining the process of composting.
6. He will tell the students that in order to compost leaves, they must be shredded with a
shredder. Next the leaves need a nitrogen source added to them in a compost bin. Fresh cut
green grass, cow manure or chicken manure can be added to the leaves as a good source of
nitrogen. This mixture must be kept moist by turning frequently. After the leaves are
composted they may be used again for a garden or left in a bin until decomposition.
7. He will explain that leaves provide shade in the summer, beautiful color in the fall and vital
nutrients to farmers and gardeners for their foods and plants.

Closure: Once the guest speaker has left, discuss with students what they learned about the uses of
leaves once they fall from our trees. Did students know that leaves could be useful not only for shade
but other purposes? Ask students if they know anyone who composts leaves for a garden.
Enrichment And Extensions: Have students write in their journals about what they learned from the
landscaper, they may draw a picture to go with the writing. Have another guest speaker come visit the
classroom and have them in their uniform or clothes that they would wear to their job. Ask students
what kind of worker they would like to have come visit the classroom next.
Assessment: Listen to students questions to the guest speaker to find if they have a clear understanding
of the concepts presented to them. Observe what they have written and drawn in their journals and
document any problem areas for further observations one on one.

Lesson Plan # 4 - Science

Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 7/25/14
Age/Grade Level: Kindergarten
Subject: Science
Title Of Lesson: Why Do Leaves Change Color?
Big Ideas: We will discover what color a leaf is without chlorophyll.
Learning Outcomes: Children will learn that chlorophyll makes leaves green and because it is so
dominant it covers up the other colors in leaves. In autumn the chlorophyll within the leaves breaks
down due to the loss of daylight and cooler weather. The trees then begin to prepare for a type of
hibernation.
Standards:
S.IP.00.12 Generate questions based on observations.
S.IP.0013 Plan and conduct simple observations.
S.IA.00.12 Share ideas about science through purposeful conversations.
S.IA.0013 Communicate and present findings of observations.
Materials Needed:
The book, Why Do Leaves Change Color, by Betty Maestro
Leaves

Rubbing Alcohol
spoons
jars
bowls
hot water
plastic wrap
coffee filters

Procedures:
Introduction: Read the book, Why Do Leaves Change Color. After reading the book talk with
students about how we will do a simple experiment to answer that question.
Transition: Sing the, Autumn Leaves are Falling Down, song, to the tune of, London Bridge Is
Falling Down.
Activities: (steps in activities):
1. Have a jar, bowl and about 5-10 leaves sitting on tables for each group of 5 students.
2. Have each child at the table break 2 leaves into tiny pieces and place them into their
groups jar.
3. The teacher will walk around to each group and pour rubbing alcohol into the jar of
leaves until they are just covered.
4. Have one child from each group mash and stir the leaves until the alcohol turns slightly
green in color.
5. Cover the jar with the plastic wrap.
6. Teacher will go around to each group and pour hot water into the bowls and will sit the
jar of leaves into the bowl of hot water.
7. Leave the jar in the hot water for 30 minutes, gently swirling the jar occasionally to stir
the mixture up a bit.
8. The alcohol should be a very dark green when it is ready. Leave it longer if it isn't a dark
green color.
9. Cut a strip in each groups coffee filter so that the strip can reach the rubbing alcohol .
10. Let the liquid travel up the coffee filter and the colors will separate as the alcohol
evaporates off of the filter.
11. This needs to sit for an hour so I make sure it leads into the students hour long special,
such as gym, music, or library.
12. When students come back from specials they can observe the results.
13. Two of the groups had leaves that turned orange and the other two groups had leaves
that were yellow.
Closure: After the lesson the students talked about what color their leaves would be without the
chlorophyll that makes them green. Talk with students how something may be easier to understand by
doing a simple experiment rather than a detailed explanation.
Enrichment And Extensions: Do the experiment another day using leaves from a different type of
tree. Talk about their favorite leaf color and why, then chart the classes favorite leaf color and least
favorite. Take a nature walk and discover other colors, the changing color of grass, bright orange
pumpkins, red apples ready for harvest, brown hay and cornstalks.

Assessment: Observe the kids as they see the results of the true color of their leaves. Listen to
questions about the transformation of the leaf color and mentally observe if all kids are understanding
the process.

Lesson Plan # 5
Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 7/31/14
Age/Grade Level: Preschool, K, 1
Subject: Technology
Title: Virtual field Trip Of Autumn Leaves
Big Ideas: To teach students about the the changing color of leaves during the autumn season.
Learning Outcomes: Students will learn why leaves change colors and will take a virtual tour of the
Adirondacks in Northeastern New York and discover the amazing changing colors of various trees.
Standards:
PK- 2.CC.1. Work together when using digital tools to convey ideas or illustrate simple
concepts relating to a specified project.
PK- 2.RI.1. Interact with internet based resources.
Materials needed:
Computer with internet access.
Computer screen
The book, We're Going On A Leaf Hunt, By Steven Metzger.
Drawing paper
Crayons and colored pencils
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrs5Vj3ChE4
Procedures:
Introduction: Students will be given a brief explanation on why leaves change colors and die. I will
explain to students that as fall approaches the weather grows colder and the days get shorter and the
nights get longer. These changes causes a thin layer of cells to grow over the water tubes in the green
leaves and closes them up to prepare for winter, No more water can get into the leaf and without water
the green chlorophyll starts to disappear and other colors in the leaf can be seen. When leaves turn
brown, that means that they aren't getting any more water and food made inside them and they start to
die.

Transition: Read the book, 'We're Going On A Leaf Hunt, by Steven Metzger.
Activities: (steps in activities)
1. After reading the book, I will ask students if they have ever gone on a leaf hunt and allow time
for them to answer.
2. Students will discuss what color leaves that they have seen in the Autumn and what trees that
the leaves may have come from.
3. Students will watch the Virtual field trip video
4. I will ask students what color leaves were in the video and what kind of trees did you see, and
will sum it up with the question, Did they enjoy our virtual field trip into Autumn Leaves?
5. Children will be asked to draw their favorite colored leaves or they may draw leaves using all
the colors that they saw in the video tour.
6. Drawing paper, colored pencils, and crayons will be passed out, and the front cover of the book,
We're Going On A leaf Hunt, will be displayed in the front of the room for children to refer
to.
Closure: Any student who wants to share his/her leaf drawing with
the class may do so, then together we will hang the pictures around the room.
Enrichment and Extensions: Take the children on a leaf hunt outdoors later in the week. Collect
leaves and try to describe what kind of trees that they fell from. Do a leaf puzzle together from the
internet. http://www.kidzone.ws/plants/maple-leaf-puzzle.htm
Assessment: Teacher will make notes of students questions and answers about Autumn Leaves.
Teacher will walk around the room and observe students drawings of fall leaves.

Art Lesson Plan 6

Your Name: Carla Crowell
Date: 7/31/14
Age/Grade Level: Preschool, K
Subject: Art
Title Of Lesson: Fall Tree With Finger Paints.
Big Ideas: Children will discover the different colors of leaves that emerge in the fall and will take
that knowledge and use it to paint their own Autumn leaves.
Learning Outcomes: Through the use of art, children will apply their learned knowledge for creating
a finger painting of fall leaves onto their own tree.
Standards:

ART.VA.I.K.3: Explore the elements of art through playful sensory experiences

ART.VA.I.K.4: Prepare, complete, and sign finished artwork.
ART.VA.II.K.1: Explore the basic uses of art materials to produce artwork.
ART. VA.III.K.2: Recognize that art can be created for self expression.
ART.VA.V. K.1: Identify and discuss art in the students environment.

Materials Needed:
Leaf Song Written on chart paper.
P re-cut tree trunks made from brown construction paper.
Yellow, red, orange, purple and brown finger paints.
The book, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves, by Lucille
Colandro.
Water containers for cleaning fingers and paper towels.
White or tan construction paper.
Glue, and pencils.
Procedures:
Introduction: Read the book, There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves! Discuss with
students all of the beautiful, brightly colored leaves that the little old lady ate. Talk with the kids about
the different shapes and sizes the leaves were in this book.
Activities: Students will follow along with the words printed on chart paper and will sing; Red and
Yellow, Green and brown, leaves are falling to the ground!
Steps In Activities:
1. Students will have different colored paints already at their seats along with a cut out
tree trunk, glue, pencils, and water containers and paper towels for cleaning fingers
with.
2. Students will glue tree trunk onto piece of construction paper.
3. Students will place their open hand at the top of the tree trunk and trace it. This will
be the branches for the tree.
4.Students will use one finger at a time to dip into a paint color and will use their
painted fingerprint to make leaves on a tree. They may use one color for the leaves or all
of the colors, being careful not to mix the paints with other colors.
5.Students will find a space on the back cupboard to let the tree and leaf painting dry.
6. Kids will begin the process of cleaning up their area and putting all supplies in the
correct place.
Once the pictures dry we will hang them above students lockers in the hall.
Closure: While discussing the changes we see in fall leaves, ask students what other changes do they
see in the Autumn environment.
Enrichment And Extensions: Learn about Autumn harvests; pumpkins, apples, etc..Take a nature
walk and talk about other changes Falling Temperatures, more rain in the forecast, how we begin to
wear warmer clothing. Take the students on a field trip to an apple orchard/pumpkin patch.

Assessment: Observe each childs comments on the change of the season, make documentation as to
whether they have a complete understanding of their environments physical changes. Walk around the
room and make mental observations of their paintings.

Play Center
Children may go to any of these centers and participate in an activity with our autumn leaves
theme.
Science Center: Assorted colored leaves with magnifying glass to observe the stems and leaves
Art Center: Leaf cutouts, pencils, crayons, markers, glue, and paper to make their own arts and
crafts.
Reading Center: Many books available on autumn leaves and fall themes.
Computer Center: Computer leaf coloring games and puzzles

Involving Families
Dear Parent/Gardians,

Over the course of the next 3-4 weeks your child will be learning and participating in a themed
unit involving autumn leaves. I will be sending home weekly letters stating what your child will be
learning that week. We will discover why leaves change from green to vibrant red, orange, yellow and
purple colors and how some turn brown. During this time feel free to take your child on a color tour.
You can collect some leaves and attach them to construction paper with the name of the tree that it
came from if your schedule allows. When this unit is finished we will then begin to discover and learn
about the other wonders of Autumn-Halloween, pumpkins, apple cider, Thanksgiving and so forth. If
you have any suggestions for this unit please feel free to contact me with your ideas. You are always
welcome to stop in and observe and participate in our learning process. Please feel free to contact me
with any questions, or ideas that you may have.

Thank you,
Sincerely,
Carla Crowell

Assessment
Assessment will involve observing all children during each lesson. I will keep a journal for
reporting each childs progress. This will be readily assessable when I need to quickly write down a
concern or accomplishment. Children will have an Autumn leave folder to put all of their projects in to
share with parents.