Signs of an approaching fall, as observed by a child.
Fall is coming; you can definitely see the signs as you look around you.
For one thing, how I know fall is coming is SCHOOL. School started the day after Labor Day, and if there is one thing that tells you that fall is coming, school is IT!
I am now in the fifth grade, and Mrs. Riordan, my teacher, is having us kids write down things that tell you that fall is coming. So here I go with my list.
Besides school, I know fall is coming because the days are getting shorter, and it doesn't stay light as long as it did when summer first came. The sun is setting sooner, and the days aren't as warm; and the nights are getting cooler.
Another sign of fall's coming is the changing of the leaves on the tress. They are just starting to turn, and some of the leaves have already managed to fall off the trees; but in a few weeks to a month, the trees will be exploding with bright colors of orange, red, purple, brown, some green, and yellow. The views of the colorful trees can be quite spectacular at times, especially in the mountains or when you go higher up.
The birds are another sign that fall is coming. They are eating more, and they are getting ready to go on their yearly migration to warmer places, so they don't freeze their tail feathers off in the winter. It won't be long before you see flocks of ducks or geese heading south or hear their frequent quackings or honkings as they head south.
You also see less in the way of insects, but you DO see more woollybear caterpillars; and wooly caterpillars are a good clue as to what the weather will be like for the fall or winter. The fatter or furrier they are, or the more black they have, the worse the winter; if they don't have much in the way of black on their fur (do caterpillars have FUR or HAIR??), and they aren't as fat; they can look pretty skinny at times, and this can tell you that the winter will be warmer than normal. In fact, the caterpillars are sometimes called "weather bears", they are so good at letting people know what the weather will be like for the wintertime.
Still another clue as to fall's coming are the clothes people wear. They are no longer wearing summer type outfits (UNLESS we have a warm spell); sweaters or jackets, or even pants, are replacing the shorts, bikinis, or summer type shirts people were wearing during the warm summer months. It isn't as warm out now, so they need something so they don't get chilly during the mornings, like when we kids wait for the school bus to come pick us up for school.
I like fall, because that means in a few months it will be my birthday. I won't have long to wait until I turn 11 years old, and I can get cake and presents. That is probably the best part of fall, even though my birthday isn't until the day after Christmas! :)
~Written by: Johnny Sandusky, aged 10 1/2.
Want to review or comment on this short story?
Need a FREE Reader Membership?
Reviewed by serenety L
9/20/2003
I love fall as well. The leaves turning red, yellow and golden, the days still warm, a special light.
Very nice story. Enjoyed reading it.
Love
Nico
great story! :) LOL "...the birds are another sign that fall is coming. they are eating more, and they are geting ready to go on their yearly migration to warmer places, so they don't freeze their tail feathers off in the winter..." what a visual! :)
Young Sasha, a little bear orphaned as a cub, finds new friendships as he struggles to realize his potential. But as he does so, danger awaits in the jaws of an evil wolf * the much feared * Rasputin. In his time of need, can Sasha overcome his fears
Children love to sink their teeth into sweet and delicious fruit. This story and teaching will have them sinking their hearts into the Fruit of the Spirit.
Fall is coming; you can definitely see the signs as you look around you.
