Materials
empty milk jugs
heavy-duty scissors (adult use only)
markers
scrap/used paper such as extra worksheets
Instructions
1. Show the children a picture of a tree and have them describe what they see.
Write their words on a whiteboard or poster. Does anyone have a tree in their
yard at home? How about a favorite tree?
2. Go through a tree diagram with them, pointing out the parts and sketching a
larger tree on the board. Label the parts. Consider having the children draw
tree pictures.
3. Show various pictures of trees and talk with the children about how different
trees can be. Explain that trees can be tall or short, thick or thin. Discuss these
qualities and say that the class will soon be going outside to make friends with
the trees!
4. Take the children outside and have them gather around a tree. Ask the
children to name the parts of the tree; discuss the bark, leaves, trunk, and
branches, as well as the roots and other hidden parts. Ask a child to try and
hug the tree. Can the child join his hands together around it? Is this tree thick
or thin? If another child joins hands with the first, can the two reach their arms
all the way around the tree? Let the children explore the area and find the
thickest, thinnest, tallest, and shortest trees.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children name the various parts of a tree?
* Can the children describe the characteristics of various trees?
