Materials
book on transportation
whistle
Instructions
1. Talk with the children about the value and beauty of trees. Be sure to mention that
trees give us paper, fruit, lumber, nuts, shade, a place to climb, and places for
animals to live. They also help keep our air clean by producing carbon dioxide.
2. Invite the children to share what they know or appreciate about trees.
3. Direct the children's attention to the sand table. Invite two children to role
play planting trees as they insert each "tree" into the sand, to create a forest of
trees in the sand table.
4. Encourage the children to talk among themselves as they work about how
important trees are and how we can take care of the Earth by planting trees.
5. After the first two children are finished, allow time for several more pairs of
children to work and play at the sand table.
6. Remind the children to remove all the "trees" before they leave the table so
that it is ready for the next pair of children.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* If possible, take the children outdoors and sit beneath a tree as you introduce
this activity and read aloud one of the books listed with this activity.
* Invite the children to paint pictures of trees. Ask the children to verbalize
what they know about trees. Record their words on the completed page of
artwork. Display them in the classroom.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children indicate an understanding of the importance of trees?
* Can the children describe some of the things that trees provide for us?
