Materials
several photos of different kinds of trees
samples of leaves that match the types of trees in the photos
nuts and fruit to match the photos (real or pictures)
books about trees
Instructions
* Arbor Day is usually celebrated the last Friday in April. Find out what day
it is celebrated in your state (www.arborday.org).
1. Introduce the materials and talk about the names of the trees, their
features, the colors of the leaves and fruit, and so on.
2. Ask the children if they think any of the trees match the other items you
have shown them (leaves, nuts, and fruit).
3. Work with the group to match trees with leaves, nuts, and fruit.
4. Place the items in the manipulatives area for children to sort during free
play.
5. As you join children in this task at free play, encourage them to sort in a
variety of ways (all trees, leaves, fruit or nuts, leaves to trees, nut or fruit to
trees, and so on).
More to do Science:With a small group of children who are ready to explore where
different trees grow around the United States, introduce a map and some
sort of cards that represent a variety of trees. Help them place the cards on
the map where they are likely to grow. Use reference books about trees to
help the children learn.
