Seasonal art projects for kids that highlight the life cycle of a tree.

Fall is starting this week (yea!) so we wanted to celebrate with a fun seasonal activity!

When the seasons change, it’s a wonderful time to introduce kids to the science behind nature.  For example, leaf rubbings are a great way to explore the parts of a leaf in addition to being a timeless seasonal craft.

It’s also the perfect time to pull out some seasonal books like these 14 Cozy Fall Books Kids Love!

And with all the colors we experience in the Fall, it’s also a great time for some art fun.

Today I want to tie all those together — book + science + art = Awesome Autumn Activity!

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Science & Art: The Four Seasons of a Tree

Since one of the most prominent changes we see with the coming of Autumn are in the trees around us, I want to focus on creative ways to explore the four seasons of a tree.

We all notice the changes a decidious tree goes through during a calendar year — it grows leaves in the Spring, is in full ‘bloom’ with it’s green color in the Summer, shows off it’s leaves colors in the Fall and drops its leaves as Winter approaches.  Today we are focusing on tying all those changes together to teach children about the lifecycle of a tree.

 

Books about the Four Seasons

One of the easiest ways to introduce your child to the concept of seasonal changes is with some outstanding books.  These stories will help to highlight the science behind seasonal changes! 

There are so many stories about the seasons that my focus for this list was books which featured trees and how they look and change throughout the year.  Here are a few of our favorite books to pair with the activities below along with affiliate links so you can learn more about each of our recommended reads.

 

The story Four Seasons Make a Year by Anne Rockwell shares engaging illustrations as it walks the reader through highlights of each of the four seasons.  Each season has a beautiful two-page spread that shows what the trees look like during that part of the year so it’s easy to compare them as you read.  Perfect for ages 3 – 8 years.

 

In the book Fall Is Not Easy by Marty Kelley, we learn how hard it is to be a tree in the fall.  This fun story shows the various changes a tree experiences throughout the year and kids will enjoy learning about the changes from a tree’s point of view.  Great for kids ages 2 – 7.

 

Older kids will really enjoy the Secrets of the Seasons: Orbiting the Sun in Our Backyardby Kathleen Zoehfeld.  In this advanced look at seasonal changes, kids will see how the rotation of the earth around the sun has an impact on our weather.  One of the things we LOVE about this story is that each season highlights what the main characters experience when they are in their tree house — a perfect location to view what is happening to a tree.  Great for ages 7 – 12 years.

 

This adorable intro to poetry (haikus, specifically) is also a beautiful look at the seasons.  Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons by Jon J. Muth doesn’t focus on trees but does show a tree in each of the seasonal sections.  It’s a gorgeous look at how the season of a tree helps to set the mood of a story!  Wonderful read for all ages!

 

A cute read for the younger set, All the Seasons of the Year by Deborah Lee Rose shows all the outdoor fun that kids love to enjoy throughout the year.  On each page, the reader can see what the trees look like during each season.  A comforting read for kids ages 2 – 5 years.

 

The Reasons for Seasons is a very science-focused read that shares a very detailed look at the seasons.  Kids will learn science vocabulary (equinox, rotation, hibernation, etc) related to the various seasons and can look for trees in each of the illustrations as they read this non-fiction book.  Wonderful learning for kids ages 7 and up!

 

Seasonal Art Projects for Kids

After reading about the seasonal changes of a tree, it’s time to get creative!  Choose one of these beautiful projects and allow the kids to create their own ‘four season tree’ art.  Projects featured begin at the top left and move clockwise around the photo above.

 

Four Season Fluffy Trees | Mom’s Tot School

Create beautiful trees from shreaded paper!

 

Four Seasons Tree Suncatchers | How Wee Learn

I love these beaded trees that sparkle when hund in the window!

 

Painting Trees through the Seasons | Edventures with Kids

Turn twigs into seasonal art with this fun outdoor painting project.

 

Four Season Leaf Trees | Red Ted Art

The ultimate nature art project — crafting trees using sticks & leaves!

 

Four Season Hand-print Trees | 123Homeschool4Me

Kids will love turning their handprint into four beautiful trees!

 

Handprint & Fingerprint All Season Tree | Rhythm of Play

Dress up any room with this art project that shows all four seasons on one tree.

 

 

MORE FALL SEASONAL FUN:

20 Outdoor Fall Science Activities

40 Fun Fall Activities {free printable list!}

Create a Fall Nature Tray

18 Autumn Scavenger Hunts