As the heated days of summer begin to fade and the cooler breezes of autumn begin to blow, consider taking the young ones in your care outdoors for story time with this fun activity from Mary Jo Huff’s book Story Play.

The Story Tree

What the Children Will Learn:

To connect the stories they hear with the natural world
To explore nature through stories

Materials:

A real tree that is in an accessible, safe area
Props and materials for a story

Preparation:

Gather the materials you will need for the story you intend to tell. Since this activity will take place outside, prepare a story that has an outdoor theme. The Story Tree setting will be especially effective if you choose a story involving trees or familiar creatures that live and find shelter in them.
Place a blanket near the base of the tree.

What to Do:

1. Once outside, place your materials near the tree so you can reach them easily when needed.
2. Stand behind the tree and chant the following:

Hey, hey, hey

Look at me!

I’m the giant (little, wide, skinny) story tree!

Listen to my tale, one and all,

As I spin my yarn big and tall.

3. Say, “Today we will share a story about _______________” as you come out from behind the tree and begin your storytelling experience.

Reviewing What the Children Learned:

Ask individual children to recall elements of the story you told.

More to Do:

Create a storytelling tree in the classroom by adding a potted tree to the room.
Have the children collect leaves and small twigs that have fallen from the Story Tree. Use these and other art materials to help the children create their own Story Tree collage on heavy paper.

Related Books: