Trees are one of the most obvious indicators of seasonal changes, as many have distinct differences in appearance based on the time of year. Print out a worksheet with four bare tree trunks and branches and give one to each student. Have the children draw what the leaves will look like in each season while explaining why the changes happen. In the winter it is cold; the trees are bare and resting. Warming weather in the spring wakes trees up to grow buds. In the summer it is hot and sunny and the trees are leafy and green, taking in the sun to store as energy. Then in the fall the leaves turn color and drop as temperatures get lower and they go back to sleep. The activity can also be done as a group with one large tree you fill in as a class.
Clothing is another way to differentiate the seasons that children can observe on their own. Discuss as a class what the apparel is for each season, and talk about why we dress that way. In winter we wear heavy coats because it is cold, and boots because there is rain or snow. In the fall we wear jackets and pants. In the summer we wear shorts and bathing suits because it's hot, and we do summer activities like swimming. In the spring we wear light jackets and carry umbrellas because it is warmer and rains. You can use photos of people wearing various outfits and place them in the correct season, or bring articles of clothing for illustration and discussion.
Place four photos on a board in the front of the class, one illustrating each season. Have a box of photos depicting activities, clothing or objects associated with each season (such as snowmen, fall leaves, umbrellas or sun). Pull each photo out of the box one at a time and ask the class which season the photo goes with. Discuss as a class why the object or activity goes in that particular season. Place each photo on the board under the season the class decides is correct.
Print out photos or illustrations that show each of the seasons, such as a snow-covered house, people swimming in a pool or a family raking leaves. Glue each photo to cardboard backing. Prior to the lesson, cut a few distinctive seasonal objects from each photo, such as a snowman, a leafy tree canopy or blooming flowers. Have the students determine which photo the cut pieces should go with, either as a class, individually or in groups. If each seasonal photo is of the same scene, it will make the task more challenging for the students.