I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree - A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year
on Goodreads (234)
What’s inside...
I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree: A Nature Poem For Every Day Of The Year is a beautifully illustrated anthology of 366 nature poems, one for each day of the year, including leap years. Compiled by Fiona Waters and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon, this collection includes poems from renowned poets such as William Blake, Emily Dickinson, and William Wordsworth, among others. It has received acclaim from various sources, including The Independent and The Guardian, and has been recognized with awards such as the Red Magazine Big Book Award and Waterstones Children's Gift of the Year. This book is a treasure for both children and adults to enjoy and explore the wonders of nature and poetry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite poem today and why did it stand out to you?
How does the poem about [specific season] make you feel about that time of year?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as something described in one of the poems?
If you could write a poem about your favorite animal or plant, what would you say?
How do you think the earth helps the seed grow into a big tree?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to reflect the mood of the poem, whether it's joyful, contemplative, or serene, to help your child connect emotionally with the text.
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes described in the poems. Ask questions about the colors, textures, and sounds they might imagine.
Relate the poems to personal experiences or family outings, such as trips to parks or experiences in different seasons, to make the content more relevant and engaging.
After reading, spend a few minutes discussing which poem was your child's favorite and why, fostering a habit of reflection and critical thinking.
Create a daily reading ritual where your child picks a poem for you to read together, building anticipation and making them feel involved in the reading process.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Through a poem for each day, the book cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural world, encouraging children to notice and value the beauty around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in outdoor activities, observe natural phenomena, and participate in environmental conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Patience and observation
Explanation: Each poem invites readers to slow down and observe intricate details about different aspects of nature, fostering patience and attentiveness.
Real-World Application: This can translate to better focus and observational skills in school or while engaging in any task requiring attention to detail.
Example Lesson: Seasonal changes and cycles
Explanation: The book covers an entire year, teaching children about the cyclic nature of seasons and the changes they bring to the environment.
Real-World Application: Understanding seasons can help children grasp concepts of time, change, and continuity, enhancing their ability to learn and plan throughout the year.
Example Lesson: Empathy and responsibility
Explanation: Several poems treat elements of nature as living entities, potentially nurturing a sense of empathy and responsibility towards the environment.
Real-World Application: This can foster responsible behavior such as recycling, conservation, and thoughtful interaction with animals and plants.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The poetic form of the book encourages linguistic creativity, inviting children to explore language and rhythm.
Real-World Application: Enhanced creativity can aid in writing skills, verbal expression, and artistic endeavors in both academic and personal areas.