10 Nature-Based Books about Trees

Does your playground have a tree? Are you lucky enough to have woods near your outdoor space? Whether you have one tree or an entire woods of trees, you can offer a host of hands-on, experiential learning activities. Trees enhance children’s curriculum in many ways. Everything from tree identification, math games and seed exploration to examining bark texture, seed exploration and observing tree during the change of seasons.  A great place to start finding inspiration is with Nature Based Children’s Books about Trees.

First, before digging into books about trees, take an observation walk and find a class tree. Observation is a great way to introduce just about anything to children. Once you find your tree, invite the children to sit under the tree. Just sit. Listen. Observe.

Second, inspire children with Nature Based Children’s Books about Trees. As you sit under your tree, allow children to explore a book on their own. Invite children to listen while reading together a chosen book about trees. (See below for a list.) Share and talk about any connections and observations. This is just the beginning. Remember, the most important thing is to get the children to inquire and ask questions.

Third, create extension activities with a Curriculum-On-The-Go Backpack. Add viewfinders, nature journals, blankets to sit on, tree identification cards, a variety of books and anything else that you may need for a specific lesson outdoors about trees.

Remember, don’t hesitate to visit your tree during all the seasons and all types of weather. Find Children’s Books about Trees for all seasons all well. Connect your tree visits with your lesson plans and see the children come alive with curiosity. Invite children to find their own tree, separate from the “class” tree.

Here are a few about Trees to get you started.

1. Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert
2. Mossy by Jan Brett
3. Old Elm Speaks: Tree Poems by Kristen O’Connell George
4. Red Leaf, Yellow Leafy by Lois Ehlert
5. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Leo Buscaglia
6. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
7. The Magnificant Tree by Nick Bland
8. The Stories A Tree Tells by Susan Coolidge
9. Tree in the Trail by Holling Clancy Holling
10. The Tale of 3 Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt

Now I want to hear from you. Do you have a favorite book about Trees? If so, share the title and author in the comments below. Let’s celebrate out trees! Want to learn how to become a Natural Teacher? Check out Teaching in the Dirt: Becoming a Natural Teacher e-Course. 

Onward,

Victoria