Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley helps young readers understand how the tilt of Earth’s axis and its orbit around the sun create the seasons. Through simple language and hands-on activities, the book encourages children to observe seasonal changes and explore basic Earth science concepts. It fosters curiosity about our planet, making complex ideas about weather and climate accessible and engaging for young learners.

Here are several ways we incorporate Sunshine Makes the Seasons into our literature-based homeschool curriculum:

• Seasonal Changes: Students use the book as a springboard to investigate the specific characteristics of each season, documenting their observations through journal entries and photographs. 
• Scientific Experiments: Inspired by the book, homeschoolers conduct experiments that demonstrate the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the sun. Through hands-on activities such as creating sundials or simulating the Earth's journey with globes and light sources, students quite literally see the reasons for seasonal changes.
• Creative Writing and Art Projects: We encourage students to engage in creative endeavors that reflect their learning experiences. They might write their own stories about the seasons or create art projects that depict how sunlight affects the environment. 
• Discussions and Critical Thinking: Discussions based on the book prompt students to think critically about how seasonal changes impact ecosystems, human activity, and even their daily lives.