NAME a tree
Related to the Nature Time episode, “The Brave Little Acorn”
Season: All
Time: 30 minutes
Children love stories. We read stories, watch stories, and tell stories. Stories help connect us to each other and our environment. We hope the time you spend together on this activity leaves you and your child feeling peaceful and connected.
Naming a tree can help children:
Develop empathy for the natural world
Learn about different types of trees
Exercise their imagination
You Will Need:
Magnifying glass
Internet or a field guide to trees
A Song to Sing: I have a name, you have a name. Let’s go name a tree.
What To Do:
Go on a walk with your child and have them look around for a tree that they like a lot. As you walk, sing, “I have a name. You have a name. Let’s go name a tree.”
Once your child has chosen a tree, talk about it. Why do they like it? Use the shape of the leaves, the seeds, or the bark to lookup the type of tree and learn more about it.
Ask your child to give the tree a name and come up with a story about their tree. How long ago did this tree sprout from a seed? Where did the seed come from? Do they think it has siblings? What about animal or insect friends? If the tree could say something, what would it say?
As your child imagines a story for their tree, have them use a magnifying glass to look closely at the bark, leaves, and the ground around the tree for other creatures that call it home.
Before you leave, say goodbye to the tree and thank it for all that it does. The next time you go for a walk, say hello to your new friend, the tree, and all of the creatures that inhabit it.
Reflection: What is your favorite story and why?
We hope you had fun together! Want to share? Snap a photo and share it with us on Instagram.