Materials
tree or shrub near school
spool of ribbon
chart paper
markers
Instructions
1. Identify an adoptable tree or bush within walking distance of your
school. Help the children understand the meaning of the word "adopt."
2. Visit the tree in the early fall. Tie a piece of ribbon around the trunk or a
substantial branch. Encourage children to remark on the tree's
characteristics. "What kind of leaves does it have?" "How tall is it?"
3. Make a bark rubbing and take a leaf sample back to the classroom.
4. Back in the classroom, give the tree a name. Make a chart of what the
children remember seeing. Date the chart and place it in an area where
the children can refer to it.
5. Revisit the tree occasionally throughout the year. Encourage the children
to note any changes in size, leaves, branches, and so on. Record
observations and compare with those from the previous visit.
6. At the end of the year, talk about the differences in the tree each season.
