Curiosity about trees prompts lesson plan

Text by Abbey Rexing
Photos by Jennifer Pearsall

Sixteen preschoolers took a field trip Nov. 18 to the college’s tree farm on the south edge of campus.

The excursion was part of their lesson on trees in the Child Development Center and Lab School, said Lee Ann Townsend, Child Development lab supervisor.

Maddisen, 5, said she already knew about trees. “Acorns fall from acorn trees, and trees need water and sunshine to grow,” she said.

Maddisen and her classmates said they were excited to learn more at the tree farm.

Townsend said the idea for the lesson came after the children noticed the change in colors of the leaves and started expressing interest.

Peyton, 4, said she noticed that “leaves change colors and fall on the ground when it gets cold outside.”

Child Development teachers plan activities that reflect the interests and developmental levels of the children, Townsend said.

Right now, she said, the lessons consist of building the children’s knowledge of trees by using a variety of subjects including science, math and language experiences.

The children will observe and compare different kinds of trees, examining various components of trees, and counting leaves, Townsend said.

She said the children also will read books about trees, and weigh and measure leaves and tree branches.

The lesson on trees will lead to a project on recycling because trees are often made into paper, Townsend said.

“We hope that they will see the importance of saving our trees,” she said.