Characters: Masha, a second-grade girl; Vasya, a second-grade boy; Nikolai Sergeyevich, the school janitor; Masha's grandfather; Vasya's grandmother, Raisa Petrovna.
Warm summer had come to an end. Trees and bushes began to dress themselves in bright, colorful clothes. September passed almost unnoticed, and October was already drawing to a close. With each passing day, there were fewer and fewer leaves on the trees. Nature was preparing for winter.
Grandfather, where are you going?
Masha asked.
Can I come with you? I'm on school break, and the weather is wonderful outside!
I was planning to rake the leaves on the path near the school. Of course, I'd be happy to take you with me! It will be more fun for me, and you'll get some fresh air.
Her grandfather replied.
Masha went to get ready, and soon Nikolai Sergeyevich and the girl, armed with a broom and rake, left the house. When they reached the path, they got to work together. The weather was dry, so sweeping the leaves was pure pleasure. Masha cheerfully gathered the bright leaves in her arms, then tossed them into the air and ran through the multicolored rain. Her classmate Vasya was passing by with his grandmother, Raisa Petrovna.
Hi Vasya!
The girl said.
Want to play tag with me?
The children joyfully began to chase each other. They were having so much fun. Nikolai Sergeyevich watched the children with interest and wanted to join them, but his advanced age held him back.
Good day, Raisa Petrovna! How are you doing?
Hello, Nikolai Sergeyevich!
Vasya's grandmother replied.
What will you do with the leaves? Will they be taken away by truck, or will you burn them?
I won't burn the leaves. Look at how many flowers are in the school garden. I'll use them to cover the roses, hydrangeas, and chrysanthemums. The decomposed leaves will blanket the earth like a quilt, and the flowers won't freeze.
That's just garbage. Usually, I collect all the leaves at my dacha and burn them.
Said a surprised Raisa Petrovna.
No, fallen leaves are valuable material—a gift from nature, so to speak. Leaves improve the fertility and quality of the topsoil. As they decompose, leaves return the nutrients to the earth that they absorbed during the summer. Trees and flowers then grow much better. You should only discard leaves that are near a busy road, as those are dangerous. These leaves accumulate large amounts of pollutants in the form of heavy metals and refined petroleum products, most of which they absorb. Such leaves can only harm the soil.
You know so much, Nikolai Sergeyevich!
Raisa Petrovna exclaimed in surprise.
Masha's grandfather and Vasya's grandmother looked at the children, who were rolling in a pile of leaves and laughing joyfully.
There's the future generation. Now the responsibility falls on them to protect nature, which is so fragile. Trees and all vegetation are the planet's lungs and must be protected. Without green spaces, life in a big city becomes difficult. That's why we must rake leaves in autumn wisely.
Thank you, Nikolai Sergeyevich, for the interesting conversation, but we must go now.
Raisa Petrovna called Vasya, and they went on their way.
Time passed quickly during their engaging conversation, and lunch was approaching. Masha helped her grandfather finish cleaning the path. Together they covered the flowers in the school garden, and then they went off, happy and tired, to have lunch.
