The Four Seasons
Did you know the year has four parts called seasons? Each season brings different weather, fun activities, and changes in nature. Let's explore spring, summer, fall, and winter!
Learn
A season is a time of year with its own special weather and changes in nature. There are four seasons, and they happen in the same order every year. After winter ends, spring begins again!
Meet the Four Seasons!
Spring
When: After winter (March, April, May)
Weather: Warming up! Spring can be rainy, which helps flowers grow. Days get longer and warmer.
What happens in nature:
- Flowers start to bloom
- Baby animals are born (chicks, bunnies, lambs)
- Trees grow new green leaves
- Birds come back from their winter trip
- Butterflies and bees appear
Fun spring activities: Planting seeds, watching baby animals, jumping in puddles, flying kites
Summer
When: After spring (June, July, August)
Weather: Hot and sunny! Summer has the longest days. It might be so hot you need to cool off!
What happens in nature:
- Plants are green and full
- Fruits and vegetables grow big
- Animals are active and busy
- The sun sets late at night
- Fireflies light up summer nights
Fun summer activities: Swimming, picnics, going to the beach, eating ice cream, catching fireflies
Fall (Autumn)
When: After summer (September, October, November)
Weather: Cooling down! The air gets crisp and cool. Days start getting shorter.
What happens in nature:
- Leaves change to red, orange, and yellow
- Leaves fall off trees
- Animals collect food for winter
- Pumpkins and apples are ready to pick
- Birds fly south to warmer places
Fun fall activities: Jumping in leaf piles, apple picking, visiting pumpkin patches, Halloween fun
Winter
When: After fall (December, January, February)
Weather: Cold! Winter has the shortest days. In many places, it snows!
What happens in nature:
- Many trees have no leaves (they're bare)
- Snow may cover the ground
- Some animals hibernate (sleep all winter)
- It gets dark early
- Ponds and lakes may freeze
Fun winter activities: Building snowmen, sledding, drinking hot cocoa, celebrating holidays
Examples
Let's figure out which season each description is talking about!
Example 1: Leaves are Falling
What you notice: The leaves on trees are turning orange and red. They're falling to the ground. You need a sweater outside.
What season is this? This is FALL! Leaves change colors and fall in autumn.
Example 2: Playing in the Sprinklers
What you notice: It's very hot outside. The sun is bright and stays up late. You're wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
What season is this? This is SUMMER! Summer is hot and great for water play.
Example 3: Baby Bunnies
What you notice: You see baby bunnies in the yard. Flowers are starting to grow. It rained yesterday.
What season is this? This is SPRING! Baby animals are born in spring and flowers bloom.
Example 4: Building a Snowman
What you notice: Everything is white with snow. You're wearing a big coat, hat, and mittens. It gets dark early.
What season is this? This is WINTER! Snow falls in winter and we bundle up warm.
Example 5: What Comes Next?
The question: It's fall right now. What season comes next?
The answer: WINTER comes after fall! Remember: Spring → Summer → Fall → Winter → Spring again!
Practice Problems
Think about each question and figure out the season!
Problem 1
Flowers are blooming and baby chicks are hatching. What season is it?
Show Answer
Spring! Flowers bloom and baby animals are born in spring!
Problem 2
You're at the beach swimming and eating watermelon. What season is it probably?
Show Answer
Summer! Swimming and beach trips happen in hot summer weather!
Problem 3
What season comes right after summer?
Show Answer
Fall! The order is: Spring → Summer → FALL → Winter
Problem 4
Trees are bare with no leaves, and you can see your breath outside. What season is it?
Show Answer
Winter! Trees lose their leaves and it's cold enough to see your breath!
Problem 5
What season comes right before spring?
Show Answer
Winter! After winter, the seasons start again with spring!
Problem 6
Leaves are red and orange, and you're going apple picking. What season is it?
Show Answer
Fall! Leaves change colors and apples are picked in fall!
Problem 7
In which season do some animals hibernate (sleep all winter)?
Show Answer
Winter! Some animals like bears sleep through the cold winter months!
Problem 8
Which season has the longest, hottest days?
Show Answer
Summer! Summer days are longest and hottest!
Problem 9
In which season do birds fly south to warmer places?
Show Answer
Fall! Birds migrate (fly south) in fall before winter comes!
Problem 10
How many seasons are there in one year?
Show Answer
Four! Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter!
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
Name all four seasons in order, starting with spring.
Show Answer
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter!
Question 2
Which season is the coldest?
Show Answer
Winter! Winter is the coldest season with short days and sometimes snow.
Question 3
What happens to leaves in fall?
Show Answer
In fall, leaves change colors (to red, orange, and yellow) and fall off the trees!
Question 4
What is your favorite season and why?
Show Answer
There's no wrong answer! Think about your favorite weather, activities, and what you like to see in nature during that season!
Next Steps
Seasons Journal!
Keep a seasons journal throughout the year:
- Draw a picture of what you see outside
- Write (or tell a grown-up) what the weather is like
- Note any animals or plants you see
- Write what fun activities you do
Look back at your journal to see how things change with each season!
- Notice how things change outside as seasons change
- Ask your family about their favorite season
- Watch for signs that a new season is coming!
- Ready for more science? Learn about Living Things!