A Tree's Pleas

Melanie Bergelt

Grade level: 4
Provincial curriculum links: Ontario
Subject: Science and Technology, Language
Keywords: stewardship, letter-writing

Description

Students take on the role of their adopted school ground tree or shrub and write a letter to the humans (students) that take it for granted. This exercise allows students to creatively communicate what they have learned through their research and observation, with a particular focus on tree stewardship.  This is a literacy activity that can be completed as part of the "Adopt-A-Tree" project.

Curriculum Framework

Topic: Life Systems, Language
Strand: Habitats and Communities, Writing
Specific Lesson Goals:

• Investigate the dependency of plants and animals on their habitat and the interrelationships of the plants and animals living in a specific habitat
• Identify, through observation, various factors that affect plants and animals in a specific habitat
• Describe ways in which humans can affect the natural world
• Generate, gather and organize ideas and information to write for an intended purpose and audience

• Establish a personal voice in their writing, with a focus on using words and stylistic elements that convey a specific mood

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Length of lesson: 40 minutes
Resources required:

• chart paper
• lined paper
• pencils
• erasers
• story book
• Adopt-A-Tree journals

Procedure

• Begin by reading a story with a tree as the central character, such as "The Great Kapok Tree", "The Giving Tree" or some other favourite.
• Introduce the purpose and audience for the letter. Emphasize that students are to write creatively, but also use the facts that they have uncovered about their tree/shrub. On chart paper, students then brainstorm some ideas about their tree to include in their letter (physical description, age, habitat description, needs, role, school ground memories, etc.)
• On a separate piece of paper, review parts of a letter (heading, greeting, body, closing, signature).  Also provide an example of a creative way to begin the body of the letter to (i.e.: My name is Maple and I have stood tall, green and proud in a busy corner of the school ground for more than 20 years...)
• Students then complete a pre-writing activity (i.e.: web diagram) to plan their writing. They should also consult their Adopt-A-Tree journals for facts and observations about the tree and its habitat.

Discussion and Questions

Student Assessment and Evaluation

A checklist can be used to ensure that students have incorporated the parts of a letter. The writing process can also be evaluated (pre-writing, first draft, editing and final draft). This activity is in turn an evaluation tool for their "Adopt-A-Tree" journals. A more detailed and creative letter is evidence of careful observations and thorough research.

Enrichment and Extension Activities

• After studying their tree or shrub and writing from its point of view, students will be more motivated to participate in tree stewardship activities (see "Mulch is magic: spread it" and Evergreen's "Tree Care Guide").

• After showcasing the letters on a bulletin board, they can be compiled into a book.

Educator Notes

Complete this activity in early spring when students have observed their tree/shrub throughout the school year.

References/Resources

Tree Care Guide, www.evergreen.ca
Mulch is magic: spread it! EcoSchools, 2006.

This exercise is adapted from Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom, Evergreen/TDSB Summer Institute, 2007, 82 pages.
Submitted by: Melanie Bergelt

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