Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood Correlation to Kansas Early Learning Guidelines Section 1: Exploring Nature with Five Senses 1 The Shape of Things..2 2 Sounds Around...3 3 Get in Touch with Trees 4 4 We All Need Trees.5 Section 2: Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons 5 Signs of Fall..6 6 Evergreens in Winter. 7 7 Bursting Buds...8 8 Adopt a Tree..9 Section 3: Meeting Neighborhood Trees 9 To Be a Tree..10 10 Trees as Habitats...11 Three Cheers for Trees...12 1
Section1: Exploring Nature with Five Senses Activity 1: The Shape of Things Shape Walk- MK Benchmark 3.2: Recognizes geometric shapes and their attributes Sing with leaf shapes- FA Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music Dance with leaves- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Make a shape guide to your schoolyard- CL Benchmark 3.5 Develops/comprehends stories Make and eat fruit kabobs- PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits Taking neighborhood walks- SS Benchmark 2.1 Demonstrates understanding of the relationships between people and places; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates and understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; SCI Benchmark 2.2: Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and their environment Decorate binoculars- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Make sun prints- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Outdoor play- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Play with tangrams- MK Benchmark 3.2: Recognizes geometric shapes and their attributes Make twig shapes- MK Benchmark 1.3: Understands number concepts 2
Section1: Exploring Nature with Five Senses Activity 2: Sounds Around Forest Concert- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music Take a listening walk- CL Benchmark 2.1: Responds to the verbal and non-verbal communication of others; CL 3.1 Listens to reading materials with interest and enjoyment Make and decorate rainsticks- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Match the sounds- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Make instruments- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music Build instruments- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Set up a recording studio- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play 3
Section1: Exploring Nature with Five Senses Activity 3: Get in Touch with Trees Mystery Box- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Go on a bear hunt - FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Take a texture walk- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Write a touch book-cl Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Eat textured trail mix- PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits; SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Make bark rubbings- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Paint with tree-textured paint- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Sort tree seeds- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Experiment with sandpaper- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problemsolving and decision making 4
Section1: Exploring Nature with Five Senses Activity 4: We All Need Trees Cook Applesauce- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Make applesauce - PHD 1.1: Moves body with control and balance (spatial awareness and coordination); PHD 1.2: Coordinates s in space to accommodate objects and boundaries Smell the flowers-phd 1.2: Coordinates s in space to accommodate objects and boundaries; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Imagine your own apple tree- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Draw with cinnamon sticks- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Paint with scented paints- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Make potpourri- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Chart reactions to smells- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problemsolving and decision making; CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Smell some wood- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination 5
Section 2: Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons Activity 5: Signs of Fall Autumn Adventure- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment Pretend to be dancing leaves- PHD 1.2: Coordinates s in space to accommodate objects and boundaries; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Sing a fall song- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Read a story and write a book- CL Benchmark 3.5: Develops/comprehends stories; CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Hide-and-seek snack- SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Create dried leaf art- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Experiment with leaf stencils- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Look inside nuts- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Graph a leaf collection-mk Benchmark 1.3: Understands number concepts; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning Work with tree seeds- MK Benchmark 1.3: Understands number concepts; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning Make leaf presses- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things 6
Section 2: Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons Activity 6: Evergreens in Winter Winter Treats- SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Make tree silhouettes- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Create and share winter stories- CL Benchmark 3.5: Develops/comprehends stories; CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Eat evergreen tree sandwiches- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits Taking neighborhood walks- skipped: large variety of options Paint with evergreeen paintbrushes- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Outdoor play-skipped: large variety of options Feel prickly and tickly branches- SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Sort cones- MK Benchmark 1.3: Understands number concepts; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning Make wood blocks- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play Pretend to be animals- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play; SE Benchmark 5.2: Engages in play with others 7
Section 2: Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons Activity 7: Bursting Buds Talk to the Trees- CL Benchmark 3.1: Listens to reading materials with interest and enjoyment; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Dance around a Maypole- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Play peek-a-boo with spring- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and ; PHD 1.2: Coordinates s in space to accommodate objects and boundaries Describe spring with onomatopoeias- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Eat sunshine sandwiches- PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits Taking neighborhood walks- skipped: large variety of options Paint with pussy willows- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Do art outside- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Enjoy a sneak peek of spring- SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Dissect buds- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Compare twigs- MK Benchmark 1.3: Understands number concepts; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning 8
Section 2: Experiencing Trees Through the Seasons Activity 8: Adopt a Tree Adopt a favorite tree- SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings Dance the Hokey Pokey- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Sing and dance with Billy B- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Make an Our Favorite Trees Scrapbook- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings Picnic under a tree- SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits Frame your favorite tree- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; Pound leaf pictures- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Compare and label special trees- CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings; CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making Play a memory game with leaves- MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning; SE Benchmark 5.2: Engages in play with others 9
Section 3: Meeting Neighborhood Trees Activity 9: To Be a Tree Tree costumes- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play Sing a tree song- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Sing and dance with Billy B- FA Benchmark1.1: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for music; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Grow from a seed- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Grow a tree- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Build a tree- PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits Taking neighborhood walk- skipped: large variety of options Build a handy tree mural- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Make me a tree- SE Benchmark 1.1: Can differentiate between themselves and others Sort tree parts- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning Build a flannel board tree- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problemsolving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; MK Benchmark 2.1: Uses the attributes of objects for comparison and patterning; SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play 10
Section 3: Meeting Neighborhood Trees Activity 10: Trees as Habitats A Nature Walk-SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings Act out a story- CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Sing and dance with Billy B- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Write a class book- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings Make edible birds nests- PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Make masks to match Good-Night Owl! Story- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and ; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts Add animals to your tree mural-sci Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Make a tree house- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play Outdoor play- skipped Investigate animals and plants that depend on trees- SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Play in a tree house- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play 11
Activity 11: Three Cheers for Trees Decorating Trees- SS Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the relationships between people and places; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment Sing and dance with Billy B- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Dance around a tree- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Plant a tree with song- FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and Celebrate trees by writing a book- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication; FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; CL Benchmark 1.2: Uses language to communicate ideas and feelings Dip fruits- PHD Benchmark 3.1: Exhibits healthy eating habits; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Taking neighborhood walks-skipped Decorate a tree- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Paint interesting tree pictures- FA Benchmark 1.3: Demonstrates self-expression and appreciation for visual arts; PHD Benchmark 2.1: Moves small muscles with purpose and coordination Display tree products- SCI Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Label tree products- CL Benchmark 4.3: Uses writing as a means of expression/communication Experiment with different woods-sci Benchmark 1.1: Demonstrates inquire skills including problem-solving and decision making; SCI Benchmark 2.2 Knows and applies concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment; SCI Benchmark 2.1: Demonstrates an understanding of the basic properties of living and non living things Act like a forest pro- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play Celebrate trees- SE Benchmark 5.1: Engages in various levels of play; FA Benchmark 1.2: Demonstrates self-expression through dance and 12