Beech: Sapling

“The Giving Tree”

Before Your Visit:

* Read Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” to the child who will be visiting the Saint Michael’s College Arboretum

* Discuss what giving is- ask child what gifts they have given to other people and what gifts they have received

Materials:

* Paper
* Pencils, Markers
* Clipboard
* “The Giving Tree” By Shel Silverstein

Activities:

* Read “The Giving Tree” and understand what giving is before your visit

* Find the American Beech Nut Tree, look and feel leaves and bark, also look at branches and the size of the tree’s trunk

* Draw the tree. (Include, trunk, leaves, branches, and a sample of what the bark looks like)

* What do you think the American Beech Nut Tree and trees in general can give animals, people, and the earth? Use your previous knowledge of the giving tree and your observations of the American Beech Nut Tree (Hint: if the tree is called American Beech Nut than chances are it has nuts, you may even find a few of them on the ground, what could animals do with these nuts?)

* Write down 3 important things that trees give to animals, people and the earth; what animal would this tree help?

All children should learn how important trees are for human beings and for animals. After visiting the Saint Michael’s Arboretum children will appreciate trees and also discover how fun it is to learn about trees.

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