Adopt a Tree
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Tree species can be identified by looking at their bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, seeds, and twigs. Through these experiences, children will compare trees and decide which combination of features they like most.
This is one of 11 activities that can be found in PLT’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood guide. To get the activity, attend a training either in person or online and receive PLT’s Early Childhood guide. Below are some supporting resources for this activity.
My Forest is Green
Follow along a curious young boy who explores the urban forest near his home and describes the shapes, textures, and colors of the plants and animals that live there and encourages young children to observe and appreciate the nature around them.
Seed School
Seed School Grades K-2 Written by: Joan Holub Illustrated by: Sakshi Mangal Published by: Quarto Publishing Group USA, 2018 ISBN-13: 978-1633223745 Recommended Reading Spend a day at seed school and meet student seeds of all different shapes and sizes. Colorful illustrations showcase the biodiversity of the garden, while the story’s verse helps young readers... Read more »
Tall Tall Tree
Tall Tall Tree Grades K to Grade 4 ISBN-13: 978-1584696018 Dawn Publications, 2017 Recommended Reading Teachers and parents alike can use this book, Tall Tall Tree written by Anthony Fredericks and illustrated by Chad Wallace, to take children on a virtual fieldtrip into the dense redwood forest. Not only will readers experience the grandiose... Read more »
Over and Under the Snow
Over and Under the Snow Grades K to Grade 4 ISBN-13: 978-0811867849 Chronicle Books LLC, 2011 Recommended Reading Even if children do not live in an area that experiences seasonal change, videos and books about snow can help students imagine and understand something they have never experienced first-hand. In this book, a young girl... Read more »
Flashlight
Flashlight Grades PreK to Grade 2 ISBN-10: 1452118949 Chronicle Books, 2014 Recommended Reading What happens when a little boy leaves the comfort and security of his tent to explore the unfamiliar and unpredictable environment that surrounds his camp… in the dark? Armed with only his flashlight, the main character of this book takes readers... Read more »
Hi, Koo!
Hi, Koo! Grades PreK to Grade 3 ISBN-10: 0545166683 Scholastic Press, 2014 Recommended Reading Join a panda bear named Koo and two human siblings as they challenge readers to stretch their minds with twenty-six haikus about the four seasons. Starting with fall, readers of all ages can enjoy not only the fun and frivolous... Read more »
Mud
Mud Ages 3 and up. ISBN: 0152024611 Published by Sandpiper, 2001 Authored by Mary Lyn Ray Illustrated by Lauren Stringer Recommended Reading What happens in spring? What happens before the fruit blossoms, before the daffodils flower, before the grass even grows? Why, mud, of course. In this book, the earth seems to secretly thaw... Read more »
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? Ages 3 and up. ISBN: 0873588282 Published by Cooper Square Publishing LLC, 2003 Authored by Carmela LaVigna Coyle Illustrated by Mike Gordon Recommended Reading Do you ever wonder if princesses… climb trees? eat vegetables? play in the dirt? wear torn jeans and a messy old shirt? At the... Read more »
Autumnblings
Autumnblings Ages 4-8. ISBN: 0060092785 Published by Greenwillow Books, 2003 Authored by Douglas Florian Recommended Reading What do you like about Autumn? Flying kites? Apple picking? Trick or treat? Frisbee flicking? This children’s book explores the colors, events, and emotions that the fall season brings, and it serves as a special treat for those... Read more »
When Sophie Gets Angry
When Sophie Gets Angry Ages 2-6. ISBN 0590189794 Published by Scholastic, Inc. June 2004 Authored by Molly Bang Recommended Reading This book, appropriate for ages 2-6, is an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book and winner of the Caldecott Honor (awarded annually to artists for the most distinguished American picture books for children.) It... Read more »
Pablo’s Tree
Pablo’s Tree Grades PreK-3 By Pat Mora Illustrated by Cecily Lang ISBN: 0027674010 Recommended Reading Each year on his birthday, a young Mexican-American boy looks forward to seeing how his grandfather decorated the tree planted the day the boy was adopted. Authored by Pat Mora, this book embraces new traditions and values, as well... Read more »
Around One Log
Around One Log: Chipmunks, Spiders, and Creepy Insiders Grades PreK-3 By Anthony D. Fredericks Illustrated by Jennifer DiRubbio ISBN: 1584691379 Recommended Reading Years after a great oak tree tumbles to the ground, a whole community of animals have made it their home. Upon close inspection, the fallen tree is seething with life! Question: Is... Read more »
EE Resources
Find Nearby Trails and Parks
AllTrails is a free app that helps users discover the outdoors. Use it to find a hiking path suitable for children, to search for local places to bike or fish, or to plan a national park visit.
Early Childhood Education
Are you looking for information on the field of childhood education? All Education Schools offers a clearinghouse of resources to explore professional organizations, licensing and credentials, teaching strategies, research, and more – all related to early childhood.
Epic! For Educators
Are you looking for new literature connections to support your favorite PLT lessons? This growing Epic! online library offers thousands of picture books, chapter books, early readers, and even nonfiction books (think Common Core Connections!) that elementary teachers can access free of cost. Registered users receive unlimited access to books and customized recommendations for readers’... Read more »
Nature Maestro® App Series
With Nature Maestro®, sound recordist and composer Dennis Hysom is your guide. Use this series of applications to explore sounds in nature. You might compose a soundscape for the rainforest, build a nature scene using audio paired with imagery, and discover fun facts about animals all along the way. Immerse yourself in these biomes to... Read more »
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Three Cheers for Trees
In this activity, children explore the many products and benefits that trees provide.
Community Explorers
In this activity, children explore how their community—and the trees within it—provide things people need.
Home Tweet Home
In this activity, children discover how plants and animals depend on trees.
Parts to Play
In this activity, children make a tree costume and explore the parts of a tree.