“There is nothing wrong with having a tree as a friend” — Bob Ross

We couldn’t possibly fit all of the amazing teachings that trees provide us in one newsletter. In our Plants & Trees, Buds & Leaves edition we introduced learners to signs of spring and tree exploration activities. In this newsletter, you will find resources to learn about leaves, dichotomous keys, and the interconnected world of trees. Read on to find inspiration for art, poetry, and so much more!

During this week’s sit spot, invite students to choose a special spot near a tree. Encourage them to imagine what it might feel like to be a tree. Can they “root” down into their special spot and think about where the trees around them came from? What would trees say to one another if they could talk? Use some of these tree-themed journal prompts to help inspire their nature journal entries.

Almost like magic, spring buds have burst open all around us into their various spring forms. Join Wildsight educator Janelle Park as she dives into the important function of leaves and some of their cool adaptations in this short video. The accompanying lesson plan will help learners to further discover and investigate different types of leaves.
Curious to see the transformation of a bud into a leaf? Check out the Bud Buddies page for an update on the buds of some familiar species.

When students learn the names and special qualities of the trees they see, it helps foster a relationship with these life-giving wonders. In this lesson plan, learners will take a tree ID challenge and learn how to use a dichotomous key.

Students can explore the interconnectedness of life in and around a tree. They can create a visual representation of the flow of nutrients from one species to another in this food web activity.

Poetry is a great way to expand language, think in new ways and express our feelings and emotions. This poet-tree lesson will introduce three forms of poetry and encourage students to create their own tree inspired poems.

Trees provide so much for us: oxygen in the air we breathe, lumber for our houses, foods that we eat and so much more. We can also play and create with their bounty. In this tree art activity, we hope to inspire students to tap into their creative sides and form a deeper connection with their leafy friends.

Cuddle up next to a tree with your little learners and listen to one of our Wildsight educators read Solomon’s Tree by Andrea Spalding, illustrated by Janet Wilson, and The Magnificent Tree by Nick Bland, illustrated by Stephen Michael King.

All around us, patterns abound. Join us in looking for order and beauty in our surroundings- with some key math concepts, creative inspiration, and simple wonders!

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