Topic Mini-Research Page by Nichole Vollweiler

Fall Fun
This Topic Mini-Research & Literature Web Page
was developed for Ms. Nalley's Kindergarten Class at Quitman Elementay School
Designed By Nichole Vollweiler, a Valdosta State University Preservice Teacher

Paint picture

	How do you know how to grow a pumpkin? Learn everything you need to know about growing pumpkins at this information filled website.
	Do you know why leaves change colors in the fall? Do you know which trees' leaves change colors? Visit The Miracle of Fall to view an animated video of how leaves change color, view pictures of beautiful fall foliage, and find links to other websites about fall leaves.
	Have you ever wondered what the insides of a pumpkin are called? Visit Pumpkin Nook to find out about the anatomy of a pumpkin and much more.
	What happened at the First Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving World is a website filled with information about the First Thanksgiving. This site also includes recipes, games, songs, and poetry about Thanksgiving.

Mini-Research Real-World Activity

Now that you are an expert on fall leaves, pretend you are a tree farmer in Maine. On your tree farm, you have several different kinds of trees, and each trees' leaves change different colors. Load up your hay wagon and get ready to explore your tree farm with a kindergarten class from a local school. The students have been learning about leaves and why they change colors in the fall, so you may need to refresh your memory about why leaves change color in the fall so you can answer questions.
As you travel through the farm, ask students to point out different types of trees, and encourage students to pick up several of their favorite leaves to take home with them.

Steps For Real-World Activity

1. Review the Miracle of Fall website to refresh your memory about different trees and why their leaves change colors.
2. Once you have refreshed your memory, choose your favorite trees and make sure you know what color their leaves turn in the fall.
3. You will then receive a piece of construction paper and it is your turn to draw a picture of your own tree farm. In your picture, be sure to draw several of your favorite trees and color the leaves the right colors.
4. When you are finished with your picture, be sure you name your tree farm, the types of trees that grow there, and the different colors of leaves that will be seen on your tree farm in the fall.

Topic Literature Activity
The Pumkin Patch Parable
By Liz Curtis Higgs

Pumpkin Patch Parable

Topic Literature Activity Using Critical Thinking Questions

Find out how to grow your own prize pumpkin!
B. Critical Thinking Questions
1. If you were a pumpkin, what color would you be and why?

2. If you were the farmer, what would you plant in your field and why?

Nichole's Home Page

envollweiler@valdosta.edu

VSU Topic Pages

Topic Mini-Research Lesson Plan

Topic Literature Lesson Plan