A Log's Life by Wendy Pfeffer Read Aloud
Whether you're putting together a summer reading list or you're looking for a way to introduce a new topic to your students, these books are a neat addition to any library. Reading is an enriching learning experience and it certainly gets the imagination firing! Providing your students with books about trees is a dandy way to beginning a conversation almost our relationship with nature, conservation, and life cycles. These stories volition non but assistance students to learn virtually trees, but more chiefly, appreciate their significance and value.
Here are 11 books about copse for elementary students. Below each book, you will observe a general overview and description of what we like about the book.
one. Someday a Tree
by Eve Bunting
The story begins with the protagonist (Alice) describing the many fond memories and events that she associates with an oak tree. Still, due to it existence poisoned, the oak tree starts to degenerate and eventually, it dies. Notwithstanding, Alice has a program. She decides to plant an acorn from her personal collection and grow a new oak tree.
The story has a very brilliant and cornball narrative that gets the imagination going and appeals to the senses. It touches on some of the effects that humans have on the environment and as well highlights what can be washed to restore it. The book is very easy and enjoyable to read!
Try pairing this book with PLT'southward PreK-viii Guide: Action 43—Have Seeds, Will Travel and Activity 79—Tree Lifecycle.
2. This is the Tree – A Story of the Baobab
by Miriam Moss
This story uses a baobab tree as a reference point every bit information technology vividly describes the many intriguing happenings in the wild African plains. Using this format, the book delves into the feeding habits and behavior of many African animals and highlights the tree's ecological significance.
The constant reference to the baobab emphasizes the longevity of trees. The book likewise highlights their environmental and cultural significance. The descriptive linguistic communication of the book also brings the narrative, and already engaging illustrations, to life. A very entertaining and well-structured read.
Try pairing this book with PLT'southward PreK-8 Guide: Activity 22—Copse as Habitats and Activity 30—Three Thanks for Trees.
iii. The Great Kapok Tree
by Lynne Cherry
The Great Kapok Tree is set in the Amazon rainforest. The story is nigh a human being who enters the forest to chop down a certain tree. Nonetheless, while taking some residual, he falls asleep. A series of animals then whisper their concerns into the human being's ear, presenting their case as to why the tree should not be cutting down.
The book has colorful illustrations of animals and woods vegetation also equally simplified maps. The language used in the book really appeals to the senses. Information technology as well delves into some strong themes regarding mankind's negative effect on the environment and how our actions tin can have a detrimental impact on biodiversity.
Try pairing this book with PLT's PreK-8 Guide: Activity 22—Trees as Habitats and Action 39—Tropical Treehouse.
Download a free sample activity from PLT'southward eastward-unit of measurement for grades K-ii: Treemendous Scientific discipline!
iv. The Busy Beaver
by Nicholas Oldland
I very careless beaver goes about his business of chewing anything and everything in his path, leaving behind a trail of mess and destruction. That is until a tree lands directly on top of him, injuring the beaver. Every bit he is personally affected by his deportment, this feel causes the beaver to reflect and alter his ways. He sets out on a mission to make everything correct and restore the forest to its former glory.
The cartooning in this book is intriguing and catches the eye. The general theme of how our behavior and actions can bear on others is a nifty talking bespeak and could be the segue into many interesting lessons about our personal response to ecology issues.
Try pairing this book with PLT's PreK-8 Guide: Activity 77—Trees in Trouble and Activity 89—Trees for Many Reasons.
5. Who Will Plant a Tree?
by Jerry Pallotta
This volume describes the various ways in which seeds can be spread. Specifically, it focuses on the roles of different creatures play in the process. It also highlights some of the basic anatomical features of different seed types.
This takes a little bit of a dissimilar approach, focusing on 1 aspect of the natural planting and growing of trees. It'due south a keen way to innovate lessons on the anatomical features of seeds and how they aid with their distribution. The full-page illustrations in this book are detailed and have an sometime earth feel nigh them.
Try pairing this book with PLT's PreK-8 Guide: Activity 43—Have Seeds, Will Travel and Activity 79—Tree Lifecycle.
6. Arbor Twenty-four hour period Square
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Set in the mid-nineteenth century, Arbor 24-hour interval Square tells the story of a new, developing town. There is much going on and excitement fills the air. However, one thing is missing. In that location are no copse. The protagonist, Katie, and her father set nigh buying and planting copse. Despite their initial doubts, the copse grow large and strong.
The story is engaging and highlights the merit of community participation in achieving ecology and sustainability-related outcomes. The book also conveys the joy associated with planting trees, so it could motivate children to leave there and try information technology themselves.
Attempt pairing this volume with PLT's PreK-8 Guide: Action 31—Establish a Tree and Activity 95—Did Yous Notice?
7. Tell Me, Tree
by Gail Gibbons
This volume is more educational in nature than near on this list, describing the features of copse and how they abound. It is very thorough and descriptive equally information technology highlights why trees are helpful to humans and animals and why they need to be planted and maintained. There is too some interesting tree facts and suggested activities at the end of the book.
The colorful images in this volume are first-class for helping kids to visualize the features of copse, peculiarly those that are not visible to the naked eye. The descriptions and explanations are articulate. In that location is quite a bit to assimilate in this book, every bit it gives some fairly specialized anatomical terms, merely it would be an excellent teaching assist or kick starter for a unit on trees.
Try pairing this book with PLT's PreK-eight Guide: Activity 61—The Closer You Look and Activity 62—To Exist a Tree.
viii. A Log's Life
by Wendy Pfeffer
Many animals rely on this oak tree, but it is struck downwards during a big storm and becomes a log. The book then explains the numerous changes the tree undergoes, until information technology finally becomes role of the soil. The story ends with the growth of a new oak tree. In a nutshell, A Log'due south Life is a succinct story about a tree'due south life bike.
The volume highlights the usefulness and value of copse as they provide food and lodging for many animals. The brevity is also a feature, and the volume could be used to beginning a lesson with the younger uncomplicated kids. Information technology may also inspire students to get exterior and examine the trees and logs at their dwelling or on school grounds.
Try pairing this book with PLT'southward PreK-8 Guide: Activity 23—The Fallen Log and Activeness 31—The Forest of S.T. Shrew.
9. Curious George Plants a Tree
by H.A. Rey
George (a little monkey) goes on a trip to his favorite science museum. There he learns that at that place volition shortly be a day dedicated to the planting of trees and collection of recyclables. He is most excited and decides to do his bit. The story follows George as he collects papers and rallies the help of his neighbors to institute trees.
The volume is an enjoyable read, with unproblematic, captivating illustrations. The overall themes of recycling and conservation are present throughout the book, so it is certain to make an impression on the reader. At that place is as well a section at the end which offers suggestions as to how families tin conserve free energy and resource.
Try pairing this book with PLT's PreK-8 Guide: Activeness 31—Found a Tree and Action 39—Energy Sleuths.
ten. We Planted a Tree
by Diane E. Muldrow
We Planted a Tree is a concise story near two families in different parts of the world that plant a tree. It is quite cursory and given in a more poetic style with vivid language.
The book explains theoretical concepts and the many benefits of planting trees in a unproblematic and concise way. The illustrations are washed in a very engaging, cartoon style. There is a nice use of repetition which provides the story with a memorable structure.
Try pairing this book with PLT'southward PreK-8 Guide: Activity 21—Adopt a Tree and Activity 31—Plant a Tree.
Exercise yous any other suggestions for books near copse? We'd honey to hear them! Share them in the comments below!
- Bio
Rebecca Reynandez
Rebecca Reynandez is a Marketing and Communications Consultant and Principal of Jump Media Strategies, LLC. She has worked with nonprofits for the by ten years and currently focuses on working with ecology organizations. She is based in Minneapolis, MN.
A Log's Life by Wendy Pfeffer Read Aloud
Source: https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/books-trees-elementary-students