A Tree for All Seasons
[30 Minutes]
We have spring, summer, fall, and winter because of the way the Earth moves around the Sun. Each trip around the Sun, a revolution, takes one year. Earth is tilted so that one hemisphere, or half of the world, gets the most sunlight, and so it is summer there, while it is winter in the other hemisphere. As the Earth continues to circle the Sun, the first hemisphere begins to get less sunlight, and it becomes fall and then winter, while the opposite hemisphere is having spring and summer. Each season lasts around 90 days.
Decorating this tree is a year-long project which will help you and your child appreciate time and seasonal changes.
You'll need:
• tree branch • flower pot or large jar • sand or marbles • paper • string • markers
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child, gather everything you'll need.
- Together set a tree branch into a pot with sand or marbles to hold it in place.
- Invite your child to make seasonal items to place on the tree from paper and markers.
- Decorations can be changed monthly or seasonally. Some suggested decorations are:
January/February: snowflakes, red/white bows, Oriental New Year decorations.
March/April/May: spring green shapes, eggs, tissue paper butterflies, kites, caterpillars.
June/July/ August: red, white, and blue flowers or paper chains, colorful beachballs or suns.
September/October: apples, pumpkins, leaves
November/December: family photos, pine cones, seasonal colors and object.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- How would you like to decorate this tree?
- What are the symbols of winter?
- Why do you think we call this a "tree for all seasons"?
|