I Am A Tree
What’s inside...
A little girl ventures into the forest to play and, through her imagination, becomes a tree. As she inhabits her new form, she learns about the interconnectedness of all beings in the forest and the importance of trees to children and the environment. The book, written by Eileen Labarca, an Early Childhood Educator, emphasizes the significance of creative play and ecological consciousness. It is written in both English and Spanish, making it a wonderful resource for children and a nostalgic reminder for adults of the joys of connecting with nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-8
Length
76 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes a tree special according to the book, and why do you think trees are important in our world?
How do the descriptions of the tree's life in the book make you feel about nature?
If you were a tree, what kind would you be and where would you like to grow?
What can we do to help trees grow strong like the one in the book?
How do trees help other creatures in the book and in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively by asking them to draw their favorite tree and describe why they chose it.
As you discuss the book, relate the life of a tree to human life, such as the growth stages and the tree’s interactions with its surroundings.
Bring a little nature indoors by having a leaf, branch, or blossom to examine while discussing the book.
Post-reading, take a walk outside and observe the trees in your neighborhood, discussing the similarities and differences with the tree in the story.
Use the discussion about trees to introduce simple environmental concepts and the importance of caring for our planet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Growth and Development
Explanation: Through the journey of a tree's life, children learn about the stages of growth from a seedling to a mature tree.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own development and recognize the value and importance of nurturing in their growth.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The tree faces various challenges like weather changes and space constraints, showing resilience by adapting and continuing to grow.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persevere through difficulties and adapt to changes in their environments or situations.
Example Lesson: Interdependence in Nature
Explanation: The story highlights the tree's interactions with its surroundings, such as providing shade to animals and being part of an ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for the environment and how every creature and plant supports each other.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The gradual growth of the tree illustrates the value of patience, as trees take years to fully mature.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that not everything happens instantly and that patience is essential for achieving long-term goals or seeing the results of their efforts.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Through the narrative focusing on the life of a tree, children learn to appreciate the beauty and significance of nature in their daily lives.
Real-World Application: Instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for natural elements, encouraging outdoor activities and ecological mindfulness from an early age.