In this activity, children “adopt” a tree, deepening their awareness of individual trees over time and encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of their local environment.
Doing the Activity
The next time you are on a walk in a familiar area, invite children to choose a particular tree to observe. Suggest they become better acquainted with it by using their senses of sight, touch, hearing, and smell to describe the tree.
Encourage critical thinking by asking:
- Is this tree alive? How do you know?
- How is this tree similar to and/or different from other trees around it?
- How does this tree help the environment around it?
How Many Seasonal Signs Can You Find?
Spring |
Summer |
Fall |
Winter |
| – Bursting buds – Emerging insects – Ice-free lakes – Birds preparing nests
|
– Ripe berries – Lightning bugs (fireflies) – Thunderstorms – Longer days |
– Leaf color change – Fallen leaves – Bird migration – Colder temperatures |
– Bare branches – Animal tracks in the snow – Visible animal homes – Shorter days |
Complete the Adopt a Tree Journal Entry below. Revisit this tree on a regular basis throughout the year and in a variety of weather conditions. Have children guess reasons for the changes they see and then predict changes for the future.
Adopt a Tree Journal Entry
My Adopted Tree
Date: _______________ Time: ____________
Location: ______________________________
Describe the tree:
What color is the bark? __________________
Why did you choose this tree?
What type of tree is it? __________________
Draw a picture of your tree or use a crayon or pencil to complete a leaf or bark rubbing.
Download this Activity
Descarga la actividad en español: Adopta un árbol
Get the Full Activity
This family activity is adapted from Project Learning Tree’s PreK-8 Environmental Education Activity Guide which can be obtained through an in-person professional development workshop or online course.
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