Characters: Masha, a second-year pupil, Vasya, a second-year pupil, Nikolai Sergeyevich, the school caretaker, Masha's grandfather, and Raisa Petrovna, Vasya's grandmother.
Warm summer had come to an end. Trees and shrubs began to dress themselves in bright, colourful clothing. 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.
May I come with you? I'm on half-term, and the weather outside is wonderful!
I was planning to rake up the leaves on the path near the school. Of course, I'll be delighted to take you with me! It will be more cheerful 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 set to work together. The weather was dry, so sweeping up the leaves was a real pleasure. Masha cheerfully gathered the bright leaves into her arms, then threw them into the air and ran about in the multicoloured shower. Her classmate Vasya was passing by with his grandmother, Raisa Petrovna.
Hello Vasya!
The girl said.
Would you like to play tag with me?
The children joyfully began to chase each other. They were having a wonderful time. Nikolai Sergeyevich watched the children with interest, and he too wanted to join them, but his advanced age prevented him.
Good day, Raisa Petrovna! How are you?
Hello, Nikolai Sergeyevich!
Vasya's grandmother replied.
What will you do with the leaves? Will they be taken away by lorry, or will you burn them?
I won't burn the leaves. Look at how many flowers there are in the school garden. I'll use them to cover the roses, hydrangeas and chrysanthemums. The decomposed leaves will act like a blanket covering the earth, and the flowers won't freeze.
But that's rubbish. Usually at the dacha I collect all the leaves and burn them.
Said a surprised Raisa Petrovna.
No, fallen leaves are valuable material—a gift from nature, you might say. Leaves improve the fertility and quality of the topsoil. As they decompose, the leaves release into the earth the nutrients they absorbed during the summer. Trees and flowers then grow much better. You should only dispose of leaves that are near a busy road, as they pose a danger. These leaves accumulate a large amount of pollution 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 about in a pile of leaves and laughing merrily.
There's the future generation. Now it falls to them to take responsibility for protecting nature, as it is so fragile. Trees and all vegetation are the lungs of the planet and must be protected. Without green spaces, life in a big city becomes difficult. That's why we must rake up the leaves in autumn wisely.
Thank you, Nikolai Sergeyevich, for the interesting conversation, but we must be going now.
Raisa Petrovna called Vasya, and they walked on.
Time passed unnoticed during their engaging conversation, and lunch time was approaching. Masha helped her grandfather finish clearing the path, they together covered the flowers in the school garden, and went off, cheerful and tired, to have lunch.
