TREES: Songs & Books
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LearningwithOutdoors presents our new
“Explore More” Learning Magazine Series!
For every topic moving forward we will have a Learning Magazine for children to help them further explore the topic. The magazine will be something children can 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 enough for children to explore at their own developmental level.
The Learning Magazines are almost entirely black and white for easy printing & can be assembled with one simple staple!
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)
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 creative outlet page for children to express themselves in a thoughtful way about the topic
“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 will be available in our SHOP when we conclude our Tree Study (Jan 16th.)
Subscribe to our emails to never miss a new Learning Magazine Release.
Before reading this book, brainstorm through the lens of ‘Cause and Effect’. The cause is an acorn is on the ground, what are all the things that can come from that one acorn being on the ground?
This book shows how one acorn can lead to so much! The book explores ecosystems, food chains, and how every part of nature interacts.
After reading this book, review your brainstorm ideas and add to it! Then go outside on an acorn hunt and discuss all the different ways you see the natural world interacting with one another. Create a visual web with children to help illustrate this point while you are outside!
(This is a great literacy activity for reading comprehension, note taking, and organizing thoughts. As well as a great science activity to create food chains or ecosystem webs!)
Have you ever thought about how trees get those holes in them?
This book takes you through the process of how a small hole is formed in a tree by a bear clawing at the bark and how this turns into a big hole through lots of different animal activity.
Another great book that talks about trees as habitats- The Busy Tree
After reading this book, go outdoors and look for trees with holes in them! Study the holes and see what may have caused the hole initially. Do you see any animals nearby? Become a nature detective!
(By becoming a nature detective children are harnessing their cognitive skills like problem solving and critical thinking)
This wonderful rhythmic, poetic text tells the inspiring story of a tree surviving through harsh conditions on the edge of a cliff. It is a story of resilience and hope-something we can all use these days.
After reading this story, talk about the needs of trees then take a walk and look for a tree that looks like it might be struggling to survive. Is it lacking sunlight, water, nutrients, space? Think about how you can show it some love. This is also a wonderful time to discuss the struggles students might be facing, ways to cope with these struggles and how to ask for help.
“Have you ever heard of the Strangler Tree? The Bubblegum Tree? The Upside-Down Tree? How about trees with horns, bottles, sausages, crowns, and ones that walk or even explode? Crazy, maybe, but true.”
This book explores some of the most unique trees in our world and provides a nice map to show you where these trees grow! A truly fascinating nonfiction read that will have children questioning over and over again if the trees could actually be real.
After reading this story, check the map to see if there are any of these ‘strange trees’ near you. Perhaps you can go on a walk and find the strangest tree in your area. Then have the children create their own fictional ‘strange tree’ using their imaginations!
(This fun task can be extended into an enriching literacy activity and even into a class book!)
This heartwarming tale is based on a true story. A very special tree to the community gets sick and EVERYONE (animals and people) comes together to help the tree. This story helps people understand how they can help trees and the importance of a strong and caring community.
After reading this story, go on a walk through your community and see if there are trees in need of your help! When you find one, make a plan and help the tree.
(Think project based learning!)
The main character is the great sugar maple tree who is just a seedling during the Revolutionary War. This book follows the tree through American history. It is a wonderful book that intersects history and science.
After reading this book, find a tree that’s been in your city for a long time. Research all that this tree must have experienced and ‘seen’ through time as your city changed.
(This is a wonderful way to connect science, history, and community into a fun and meaningful learning exercise.)
This is an amazing nonfiction book created by two photographers who travelled to over 50 historical tree sites on five different continents to capture how trees have influenced the world. Trees provide us with so much- oxygen, shelter, food; but they are also a part of our culture. Examine how trees are a part of our world culturally, spiritually, and symbolically.
After reading this story, potentially take a trip to a tree from the book that is local to you. If age appropriate make your own version of ‘Wise Trees’ by photographing special trees to you or your community.
There is so much we didn’t know about trees! Trees are more fascinating and sophisticated than you think!
“Discover how [trees] communicate and warn each other of predators, how they nurture their networks, record the past, and anticipate the future to ensure their survival. There's so much more to trees than meets the eye.”
As you are reading this book, complete some of the activities they suggest through out!
A true story about a woman who turned dry, desert-like San Diego into a lush tree filled city. Kate Sessions was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in Science and singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed an entire city. Read about her journey filled with adversity and a love of trees!
After reading this book, research other people who have made an impact on the world through their love of trees. Can you find others who helped create forests, saved forests, or experimented/invented in the realm of forests?
(This is a great research project that intersects science, history, and the natural world)
This beautiful book will have a lasting impact on how you view trees against the backdrop of the sky. Combining art with science, the book invites you to witness a tree through the seasons in a whole new way. The author asks guiding questions that make you think, wonder and feel as you gaze at the amazing sky trees.
After reading this story, go on a walk and look for your own sky tree. Sketch it or photograph it and then come up with your own question to ask those who view your work of art. Write up your own list of how the tree makes you feel.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, the world is not going to get better, it’s not.”
Be like the Lorax and care for our world and the trees in it! This is a classic book about the dangers of cutting down trees through a magical rhyming Suessical text!
After reading this book, plant some new trees or replant trees that need a little help to survive.
If you’re in search of a tree guide book (this one is catered to American trees), this is a great one! Has many trees for you to find and identify AND answers all the questions you may have about trees.
Take this book out with you on hikes and walks to help you identify trees!
