Trees Help Everyone
In celebration of Earth Day (Wednesday) and Arbor Day (Friday), this activity teaches children about trees. Children will learn that trees help the earth in many ways and are important to all kinds of creatures. The tree activity will offer children an opportunity to explore the parts of trees, and learn the names and types of some trees.
Next Steps
Explore Parts of a Tree
You will need:
A large shallow bin
A collection of tree parts from the ground, such as pine cones, pine needles on stems, large tree seeds, pieces of bark, leaves, etc
Go for a walk around your neighborhood or park. Collect larger items from trees safe for young children to explore, such as items mentioned above.
Put items in the bin for your child to explore the textures, sights, and sounds.
Plant a Tree or Bush
You will need:
A small tree sprout or fast growing tree seed
A planter with hole on the bottom about eight inches across
A watering can with filtered water
A gallon of soil
Put a few stones in the bottom of a clean planter.
Fill the planter with soil leaving a space to plant your sprout or seed.
Pour a cup of water into the soil.
Put a tree sprout or seed in the ground, and cover the sprout‘s roots or seeds with enough soil to cover.
Water again and keep soil somewhat wet by watering and checking it daily.
Place it in a sunny place, protected from cold weather below 50 degrees.
Watch your tree grow.
Expanded Experiments
Claim a tree to watch, tie a ribbon or string loosely around your tree.
Give your tree a name.
Check your tree weekly. Notice leaves growing, birds flying into your tree, if any flowers grow from your tree.
Notice if any nests are in your tree.
Take a picture of your tree and parts of the tree that are changing each week.
Preschoolers may draw pictures of their tree, as it changes and put their photos and drawings into a book about their tree.
Read the book, Our Tree Named Steve.
Tomorrow we'll be featuring Spanish with Miss Silka. Click here to see our weekly schedule of Virtual Enrichment Program classes and subscribe to our blog!
Now enrolling for Summer on the Farm 2020, a summer camp for children ages 6 weeks through 12-years, and the 2020-2021 Academic School Year for children ages 6 weeks through 3rd grade. Click here to learn more!