Tree Families

Hunt around your home, neighbourhood, school or local parks to locate trees belonging to the same family. Record your findings and share on social media. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and include #treesrkind.

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Note: trees of the same species that are growing close together are part of the same family. They share and support each other. You can compare bark, leaves, and seeds to confirm which trees belong to the same species or family.

Where does math live in the trees?

Take time to observe a tree or group of trees and ask yourself, where does math live in these trees?

• Can you identify patterns?

• Can you count or measure things on or around the tree(s)?  How can you measure (hint: you can also use your own body parts to measure!)

• Can you estimate? What strategies are you using to help with your estimation?

Parts of a tree

Learn about the parts of a tree. How are the roots, trunk, bark, and leaves important? Use loose parts from around your home to create a tree and label all of the important parts! Alternatively sketch a nearby tree and  label & include all of the tree's parts. Tag us @connectionsinkindness and share your creation on  Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. #treesrkind

Create a map

Section off an area around one tree or a group of trees with rope or string. Look closely. Notice even the smallest details. Create a map of all of the things you see in this area. You may choose to photograph the area and compare your drawing to the photo once you've finished. Tag us @connectionsinkindness  and share your map on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. #treesrkind

Street trees & trees growing in your yard-math

Street trees are the trees growing along the side of your street. Count how many street trees there are on the block where you live.

Count the number of trees growing in your yard.

Take a photo of your street trees. Tag us @connectionsinkindness  and share your findings on  Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. #treesrkind

Sensory Activity - Touch

Have an adult gather a collection of similar items from a tree (leaves, bark, pine cones, small branches) and place them in a paper bag. Each member of your group can close their eyes and choose one item. Hold your object in your hands. Spend some time getting familiar with how it feels in your hands. Now place the items back into the bag. The adult can place all of the objects in front of the members of your group for all to see. Can you identify your item by looking at it? Do you need to feel the item in your hand again to confirm which one was yours? Tag us  @connectionsinkindness on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and share your photos and reflections. #treesrkind

Indigenous Connections

Take a look at the Indigenous Connections page. Click on each photo to follow the link and  learn about how these trees are culturally significant. Take a look around your yard or neighbourhood. Can you find any of these trees? Used a clipboard and paper to record your findings. Take a photo, tag us @connectionsinkindness  and share on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. #treesrkind

Tree Snacks

Use healthy snack foods at home to create a tree snack! Share your creation and tag us @connectionsinkindness  on your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter pages. #treesrkind

Trees inside your home

Wander around your house and hunt for all of the gifts from the trees. Record your findings. Is there a specific piece of furniture that is special to your family? Take a picture of it and share how and why it is important to you. Tag us @connectionsinkindness and share your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

True story sample:

The table pictured here is still used in my home by my family. My father built it out of scrap wood when I was just 3 years old!

Tree Yoga/Meditation

Find a group of trees in your backyard, neighbourhood or favourite park. Close your eyes, reach up to the sky and imagine that you are one of the trees close by. How would you feel:

• If a squirrel was scurrying along your branches.

• If a bird has build her nest in your branches and is perched up high feeding her young.

• In a wind storm.

• Rain is falling on your branches and leaves.

• Snow is collecting on your branches, trunk, and leaves.

• A bear is climbing your trunk.

• Moss and lichen are growing on your bark.

• A child is giving you a hug.

• Buds are beginning to form on your branches.

How did your body and emotions change when you imagined each of the scenarios above? 

Make a water filter

Did you know the forests clean water? You can build your own water filter! Find a bucket with holes in the bottom. Layer stones and soil on the bottom. Stir some soil into a a glass and pour it into the bucket. Check out what comes out of the bottom. Now try again, but this time, make a tiny forest floor. Put stones into the bottom of the bucket and add a bit of leaf mold and leaves.  (This is the brown crumbly stuff on the ground under decaying leaves). Now pour dirty water into the bucket again. This time, the water that comes out should be much cleaner. Note: this activity and photo were taken from Peter Wohlleben's book, Can You Hear the Trees Talking?