Young children are curious about the world around them and enjoy activities to help them discover it. Here are some activities geared towards preschool aged children, specifically for learning about trees.
Discussion about Trees
First discuss what a tree is.This involves parts of a tree, which can be drawn on paper or a chalkboard: trunk, roots, branches and leaves. If small tree seedlings are available (often they grow in a yard), children are interested in seeing these up close: little trees on their level.
A simple book can be read, such as It Could Still Be a Tree by Allan Fowler. This reinforces general information about a tree.
Pretend to be a Tree
Preschoolers like to be active, so role plays and physical activities keep them engaged. One such activity involves pretending to be a tree: beginning as a seed, curled up in a ball. (Squat on the floor with arms and head tucked in.) Describe the seed quietly resting underground. Next a root grows (one leg juts out ) and "SLURP" (make the noise) gets a nice drink of water. The tree grows a shoot (stand up slowly) and the root slurps ("SLURP") more water. Then slowly one branch grows (lift one arm up, then the other; and the leaves grow (spread out fingers) and wave in the breeze (wave hands).
Outdoor Activities With Trees
If a natural space is available, some outdoor activities about trees are fun for children. Have them feel different trees' bark to tell whether it is bumpy or smooth. They can examine leaves, large and small. They can try to "hug" a tree. With a large tree, several children can join hands to wrap around the wide trunk.
While outside, collect several different types of tree leaves for indoor artwork.
Tree Based Arts and Crafts
First place a sheet of paper over a leaf with the rough underside facing up. Then, holding the paper and leaf with one hand, rub over the leaf with crayon. This will create decorative leaf rubbings.
Next place on small amount of tempera paint on a tray or palette and spread it in a leaf sized area. Press the leaf (underside down) into the paint then press it onto paper, resulting in a leaf print. Rubbing the leaf on the paper helps to ensure the paint is transferred.
Children love to paint and can try their hand at painting a tree: first the trunk and then the leaves. To make this easier, they can trace their hands onto a large sheet of paper to make leaves, then draw or paint the trunk.
Finally construction paper cutouts can be used to make a forest collage: brown, black or grey trunks and round green tops (or multicolored if it's fall!)
Trees provide inspiration for young explorers and artists. Enjoy discovering along with them!
Sophie Cayless - For the past ten years Sophie has worked as a freelance author and illustrator, writing and illustrating the children's book Beaver Tales ...
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