Materials Needed:
- Yarn, rope or fabric to tie help identify your tree
- Tree Observation Journal – Download here
- For Pre-K-1
- For Grades 2-6
- Clipboard
- Pencils
- Colored Pencils or Crayons
Objective: Closely observe a chosen tree over twice a week over a five-week period.
Connected Reading Activity: If you are able to get these books, we recommend: A Tree is a Plant by Clyde Robert Bulla and for older children Tell me, Tree by Gail Gibbons.
Lesson Plan:
Day One:
- Take a walk and ask your child about the differences in the trees they see.
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- Are they different colors?
- Are some taller than others?
- What does the bark look like?
- What’s under the tree?
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- Ask your child to pick a tree. Note: to remember their tree, have your child write about it, draw a picture, take a photo, or ‘drop a pin.’
- Have your child complete the cover of their Tree Observation Journal and entry number one.
Day Two-Ten:
- Visit your child’s tree at least two times per week over the next five weeks. Encourage them to sit quietly and observe their tree for at least five minutes (set a timer) before beginning their entry.