Spotlight Comparison Chart

Use your observations from the Four-Frame Seasonal Gallery to fill in each box below. Think about what you noticed for weather, activities, colors, and nature in each season.

Seasonal Senses Entry Journal

Use your five senses to explore each season. Write as much detail as you can—think about what makes each season special!

Spring

1. See: What new sights do you notice in spring? Describe colors, shapes, and movements.

1. Hear: What sounds are unique to springtime? Birds, rain, insects—what do you hear?

1. Smell: How does the air smell in spring? Flowers, fresh grass, rain—describe the scents.

1. Touch: What textures can you feel? Soft petals, cool breezes, damp grass—write about them.

1. Taste: If you taste something that reminds you of spring, what is it? Describe the flavor.

1. Reflect: Why do these sensory details make spring feel special to you?

Summer

1. See: What bright or bold visuals stand out in summer? Sunlight, water, greenery—describe them.

1. Hear: What are the sounds of summer? Waves, laughter, lawnmowers—what do you notice?

1. Smell: How does summer air smell? BBQ, sunscreen, flowers—write about the aromas.

1. Touch: What sensations do you feel in summer heat or water? Warm sand, cool pool water—describe.

1. Taste: What treats or foods taste like summer? Sweet, tart, cold—explain the taste.

1. Reflect: How do these sensory experiences capture the feeling of summer for you?

Fall

1. See: What colors and visuals signal autumn? Leaves, skies, pumpkins—describe them.

1. Hear: What crunchy or cozy sounds do you hear in fall? Raking leaves, breezes—write about them.

1. Smell: What scents fill the air? Cinnamon, wood smoke, crisp leaves—describe the smells.

1. Touch: What textures can you feel? Sweater wool, cool wind, crunchy leaves—explain.

1. Taste: What flavors remind you of autumn? Apple cider, pumpkin spice—write about the taste.

1. Reflect: What makes fall’s sensory experiences meaningful or comforting to you?

Winter

1. See: What sights are unique to winter? Snow, bare trees, holiday lights—describe what you see.

1. Hear: What sounds do you notice? Crunching snow, wind, festive music—write about them.

1. Smell: How does winter air smell? Pine, fireplace smoke, cold air—describe the scents.

1. Touch: What physical sensations do you feel? Icy air, warm mittens, snowflakes—explain.

1. Taste: What flavors taste like winter? Hot chocolate, peppermint—describe the taste.

1. Reflect: How do these sensory memories shape your idea of winter?

Quick-Draw Seasons Warm-Up

Use this quick sketch activity to kick off each seasonal session. Give students 5 minutes to draw three symbols that represent the current season. Encourage detail and creativity!

Spring

Draw three symbols that represent Spring.

Summer

Draw three symbols that represent Summer.

Fall

Draw three symbols that represent Fall.

Winter

Draw three symbols that represent Winter.

Seasonal Chart Solutions

Use the completed chart below as a model when reviewing student responses on the Spotlight Comparison Chart.