During the week of September 23 – 27th, the PK1 class learned about trees through different methods of learning and play.
As a class, we enjoyed books such as
- A Tree Can Be A Place …by Judy Nayer
- Tree by Richard Vaughan
- Look at This Tree by Susan Canizares, Pamela Chanko
- Evergreens are Green by Shel Silverstein
- The Giving Tree by Shel SilverStein.
Our little artist learned that there are different ways and methods to create a tree. Students used brushes, twigs, palms, and fingers to paint.
They also use glue to paste construction paper pieces and/or tape to stick items found in nature to put together their “tree” masterpieces.
To reinforce and enhance the learning concepts, the children listened and performed actions to the song “If I Were a Tree” by Jason Mesches.
We also extended our learning to the playground, where the children collected some leaves, twigs, and tree bark for our display table in the classroom. There, they explored their collection further. In addition, during outdoor play, some of the children joined their hands together to see how many of them it takes to surround the tree and give it a hug!
The PK1 class learned that there are different types of trees, and each kind has a different texture and shape. They learned about the parts of the tree – the trunk (body of the tree), branches (hands of the tree) and the twigs (fingers of the tree). We discussed how the roots are like the legs and feet that keep the tree standing. Tree bark is like the skin of the tree.
The children also worked on plant puzzles to learn and identify the parts of the different plants. To keep the tree strong and healthy, children learned that trees not only need to have strong roots, but they also need sunlight, rain/water and good soil.
In addition, we talked about the importance of the trees. Many things come from trees such as lumber for houses, furniture, wooden toys, paper and pencils.
We concluded our tree theme by thanking God for giving us trees. As the children moved on to the topic of “Fall/Autumn” during the week of September 30th, they continued to add to their learning about trees and what happens during this transitional season.
Enjoy these photos and many more on our Facebook page.