Four Seasons Tree Study

A seasonal tree study is an easy way to work nature study into a busy schedule either in your classroom or your homeschool. It’s a pause. A chance to spent time outside, slow down, look closely at your world. For some kids it might also spark a new appreciation for science and nature.

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Tree Study Guidelines

Here are some quick guidelines to get you started:

THE TREE – pick a nearby tree (in your yard, on your block, at a nearby park, etc.) that will change with the seasons. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have much in the way of seasons, like here in San Diego, another alternative is to pick a different kind of tree to study each season.

SCHEDULE – set aside a couple hours every three months for your tree study. You’ll want them roughly spaced to cover each of the four seasons.

WHAT TO BRING – when you head out on your tree study field trip you will want to bring:

• Weather appropriate clothes. I truly believe the saying there’s not bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. If everyone is warm and dry any adventure will go a whole lot more smoothly.
• Bag of tools to investigate (magnifying glass, paper and crayons to make rubbings of leaves or bark, small containers to collect samples that have fallen.
• Clipboard with pencil and paper for each kid. (I like this type of clipboard that stacks a little more easily).

Before You Go:

Prep for your Tree Study before you head out. I recommend keeping it simple with a book or two and clear directions about what you’ll be doing once you get outside.

Books to Read:

Fall Tree read aloud books
Winter Tree Storytime
Spring and Summer lists coming

Directions:

Directions for your Tree Study will vary depending on your group and location, but clear and brief directions about what they should do is most helpful. Words like look closely, careful observations, and record your thoughts might be helpful in setting a tone of scientific and calm discovery.

The goal is to look closely at the tree and then record what they see on their clipboards with words and pictures.

During Your Tree Study:

Your role during the tree study is simple, support.

Some kids will want to talk a lot about what they see. Ask open ended questions to encourage their dialogue about what they’re seeing like, what else do you notice about the tree? how would you describe the branches to someone who isn’t here? if you’re quiet and listen, does the tree make any noise?

Some kids will get right down to writing and drawing while others might need more encouragement. You can help by asking things like; how can you record what you’re telling me on your paper? what could you add to your record to help you remember this tree? what words could you add to make this really clear to someone who isn’t here? Are there words you want me to write for you on your paper?

After Your Tree Study:

If your kids are excited about your tree study, lean into it. There are a million directions to go with this depending on where there interests lie, but here are a few ideas.

• ART look at photos of your tree or different kinds of trees and draw or paint your trees. Watching drawing tutorials together.
• SCIENCE label parts of your drawing with more detailed anatomy of trees. Read nonfiction books together about trees and the change of seasons. You could also learn about the various animals that use trees for home or food – squirrels, different kinds of birds, etc.
• READ books about trees. (This booklist is a great starting point) I had a basket full of books about trees for my kids to explore when we did our tree study.
• WRITE stories about what they saw or the creatures that live in trees. Write poems about trees. Write nonfiction about the what you observed with your five senses about the tree.

Set up an area of your school room or classroom or home with elements of your tree story. Display the things you collect – leaves, acorns, etc. Hang or frame drawings or poems you create.

On the other hand, if your kids are not overly interested in your nature study that is okay too. If they complete the field trip and then immediately return to their lego construction or train obsession or whatever they’re currently thrilled by, that is okay! That doesn’t make the tree study not valuable – providing new experiences and introducing them to different things is always a good thing. My advice is don’t force an interest, just offer it and follow their lead.