The document provides instructions for students to observe signs of autumn outside and then write a paragraph describing their observations. It gives examples of signs of autumn to look for such as changing leaf colors, weather changes, and sounds of nature. It also provides writing guidelines for the paragraph, including using complete sentences with proper punctuation and spelling and including vivid descriptive details.

1. Name: ________________ #: ____ Date: ______________
Signs of Autumn
The first day of autumn is celebrated September 21st, although the actual autumnal
equinox is not until September 22nd or 23rd. On this day, the sun's rays are directly over
the earth at the equator.
For writing this week, you are to spend some time sitting outside. Listen carefully, smell
deeply, touch objects, slowly look around you . . . . look up, down, and to each side. Next, on
the back of this paper answer the questions about the signs of autumn you saw, felt, and
heard. Now, carefully write a paragraph in which you describe the signs you have chosen,
so that anyone reading your paragraph will have a vivid mental picture of what autumn is
like in our town. Try hard to have your sentences begin with capital letters and end with the
correct punctuation marks. Have a parent edit your work after you answer the questions,
then type on the computer, or rewrite the paragraph in your neatest handwriting.
REMEMBER:
1. Sentences should start with a capital and end with a period, question mark, or
exclamation point.
2. A sentence should be a complete thought or idea. Your paragraph should have at
least 5 sentences.
3. Strong sentences have vivid details.
4. Your paragraph should stay on topic and have a topic sentence, detail sentences, and
a concluding sentence. Don’t forget to indent!
5. All words should be spelled correctly. Have an adult proofread your paragraph
before turning it in.
Here’s an example of my paragraph:
Today I went in my backyard to look for signs of autumn. I had to sit very still and listen hard so
that I could hear everything around me. The trees’ leaves were turning red, yellow, and brown. Some of
the trees had even lost all of its leaves. The weather felt cooler and not hot like during the summer. There
was a cool breeze that made the leaves rustle when they moved. I could also hear birds singing in the trees
and a dog barking down the street. Autumn makes me think of Halloween and apple pies. My favorite
part about autumn is taking walks on the leave colored streets.
Turn to the back to fill out the organizer.

2. Where did you sit and look for signs of autumn?
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What types of things did you see that show autumn has arrived? Describe what they are
and what colors you see.
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What did the weather feel like? Was it warm or cool? Was there a breeze?
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What are some of the things you heard when you were outside? Did the trees make any
noise? Did you hear any birds?
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What does autumn make you think of? What is your favorite part about this season?
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