Adopt a Tree for Me

[20 Minutes]

Take your child on a walk to "adopt" a tree. Then revisit the tree to observe it as the seasons change.

You'll need:

• tree • ribbon or yarn • camera

What to do:

1. Tell your child you are taking him on a walk to find a special tree. Let him look at all kinds of trees until he finds one he especially likes.
2. Tie the ribbon or yarn on the tree and tell him that this will be his special tree and that you will visit it many times together.
3. Challenge him to use all of his senses as he discovers everything he can about the tree. Encourage him to feel the tree, smell it, listen to the rustling of its leaves, and so on.
4. If possible, take a picture of him and his tree. Do this several different times during the year.
5. Encourage him to give the tree a hug good-bye and to tell the tree he will come back to visit it another time.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What did we see on our walk today?
• Tell me about your special tree.
• Would you like to name your tree? What would you call it?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop large muscle skills and an understanding of "same and different".