|
The Tree in Me
Last updated Monday, November 6, 2023
Author: Corrina Luyken
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 0593112598
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2023
Synopsis:
Through poetic text and exquisite illustrations of children reveling in nature, this picture book explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature. "The tree in me is strong. It bends in the wind, and has roots that go deep . . . to where other roots reach up toward their own trunk-branch-crown and sky."
| Note to readers: |
| • |
The Tree in Me asks us to pay more attention to how we feel inside while also encouraging a connection to the natural world. Take your time because it's a quick book to read. They may not get the author's meaning right away.
|
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
| • |
Have any of you heard of Mother Nature? What is an example of nature?
|
| • |
How many of you have a tree at your home, live near a tree or seen trees in parks or camping areas. Describe the tree.
|
| • |
Do any of you have trees that have fruit growing on them? What type of fruit do you think grows on a tree?
|
| • |
Do you think we are like a tree? What are some ways you are like a tree. For example, our body can resemble a tree trunk….
Vocabulary:
|
| • |
Metaphor: a phrase that describes something by comparing it directly to some other thing. For example, "busy as a bee" is a simile, and a metaphor would be describing a busy person as a "busy bee" .
|
| • |
Poetry: a type of literature, or artistic writing, that attempts to stir a reader's imagination or emotions. For example, a nursery rhyme can be considered as poetry.
|
| • |
Trunk: the main stem of a tree
|
| • |
Root: The part of a plant that usually grows underground. Roots take up water and nutrients and hold the plant in the soil.
|
| • |
Crown: The highest part of something. It can be a covering for the head which is the highest part of the human body.
|
| • |
Branch: a woody part of a tree or bush that grows out from the trunk; limb.
|
| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
| • |
What do you notice about the trees in the book? What is the main color used for the trees? How does this differ for the trees around your home or in the parks?
|
| • |
The author wants us to understand connections. So, hold up a crayon, color pencil or marker and have students describe what they see but go deeper into the understanding of how those writing instruments were possibly made.
|
| • |
What do you think your tree might be? A musical tree, athletic tree, a giving tree?
|
| • |
How can your tree help others? How can you help the planet….maybe start with ways they can help their environment around school, classroom and home.
|
| Craft ideas: |
| • |
Draw what the tree in you. Does it look a fruit tree? Or a strong oak? Perhaps you’d be a combination of different kinds of trees! Be creative and don’t be afraid to use color.
|
| • |
Have them draw a tree and on each branch write ways they can help their environment or a Me Tree where the leaves are things about themselves they want others to know. For example, a leaf can represent like watching movies, going shopping, reading……… (This would be like the Tree of Me)
|
| • |
Since it’s Thanksgiving season, draw and decorate a tree and the trunk can say, I’m grateful for…. Use the branches as a guide to the leaves. So the trunk would say, I’m grateful for….., the branch would say, family, and the leaves would list the names or titles of the family members etc…..grateful for school (branch), teacher (leaves) etc…….
|
| • |
November is also reading to Kids College Spirit month! Have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing. They can even create their own imaginary college logo!
|
| • |
For illustrated directions on how to draw and decorate a turkey, see http://readingtokids.org/News/how_to_draw_a_turkey.pdf
|
| Special activities: |
| • |
Pay attention to how you feel as you do each of these exercises. Try them outside, surrounded by nature, or near a window where you can see out. Then try them inside, or away from the window. How does it feel different?
Reach your hands above your head and stretch up tall, like the branches of a tree.
Now stretch your arms out to the side. Opening your chest to the world, as if
you’re absorbing the sunlight. Do you feel the warmth?
Next, crouch down on the ground and
wrap your arms around your legs, like a stump or a seed about to sprout. Close your eyes. Do you feel closer to the earth this way?
Finally, lie down on the ground with your legs straight and your arms by your side. Close your eyes. Can you feel your body relaxing into the floor or ground?
|
*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
|
