Tree Shapes
Just like people, trees come in many different shapes and sizes.
Most of the year leaves hide the basic shape of trees (the tree skeleton) but in winter when most of the leaves have dropped, the tree's shape is fully visible. Take the time in winter to look at these beautiful tree silhouettes.
You can explore tree shapes in your own yard, local park or even from your car window.
Here are some basic tree shapes to look for:
1.) Vase or Cone Shaped Tree
The branches of these trees grow at sharp upward angles. Think of it as an upside down triangle.
Boxelder, Crape Myrtle and Elm grow in these shapes
2. Columnar or Rectangular Tree
These trees are shaped like columns/cylinders/rectangles. The branches are mostly the same length from the top to the bottom.
Hornbeam, Red Maple, Tulip Trees and arborvitae often grow in these shapes
3. Pyramid or Triangular Shaped Tree
Trees that are wide at the base and get narrower at the top are shaped like a triangle or pyramid. Many of the trees cut for Christmas trees are this shape.
Pin oaks, Sweetgum, Fir and American Holly trees often grow in this shape
4. Round or Circle Shaped Trees
Trees that look round and full, shaped like a sphere are called round or global trees. They usually make good shade trees.
Bur Oak, Redbud and Buckeye trees are often this shape
5. Oval Shaped Trees
Oval trees are similar to round trees but you can recognize the slight difference when they are near each other. They also are strong shade trees.
Ash and Birch trees are often this shape
Children are busy classifying and categorizing their world as they learn and grow. Exploring the concept of shape using winter trees is an ideal learning opportunity. Encourage your children to be nature detectives in search of each of the shapes. They will be working on shape recognition, spatial awareness, observation skills and comparing and contrasting all while having fun, getting to know their tree neighbors and spending time in nature.
Get ready for the release of our very first:
‘Explore More’ Learning Magazine!
Our Learning Magazines are almost entirely black and white for easy printing & can be assembled with one simple staple! Each magazine will be something children can either do on their own, in a small group, or with an adult (parent, teacher, etc.). We do not specify an age recommendation for the learning magazines because the prompts will be open-ended for children to explore at their own developmental level.
So what is in each Learning Magazine?
Spaces for brainstorming and reflecting
Academic/creative outdoor learning activity pages (these pages are aids to get children to be hands-on and engaged in nature by guiding them to make observations, record measurements, write thoughts/creative expressions, make plans, and do experiments)
There will be an activity page about Tree Shapes!
A new curiosity to help spark children’s wonderment and encourage them to be curious about their world
A fun page filled with nature-based games, puzzles, or riddles
A creativity focused page for children to express themselves
“Perfect for: homeschooling, teachers wanting to incorporate more nature into their curriculum, guided self-learning, learning extensions, and curious nature-minded children.”
This first learning magazine is now available in our SHOP
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