CU 4.03Parts of the Tree
The child names the roots, trunk, branches, and leaves of a real tree outdoors and on the tree puzzle.
Age 4–5½Work 3 of 7 in Botany
Presentation
- 1
Walk with the child to a tree outside. Touch the trunk and name it.
- 2
Point to the roots at the base, then the branches and the leaves, naming each.
- 3
Make a bark rubbing with paper and the side of a crayon.
- 4
Back inside, compare the tree to the parts of the plant: 'The trunk is like a big, woody stem.'
- 5
Bring the tree puzzle. Remove, trace, and name each piece.
- 6
Give a three-period lesson and invite the child to work the puzzle.
- 7
On later days, match the three-part cards.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Make bark rubbings from different trees and compare
- Collect fallen leaves from different trees and match them to their trees
- Learn about the quaking aspen, Utah's state tree, and see a photo of an aspen grove
- Adopt one tree and draw it each season
Control of error
The puzzle pieces fit only in their own space; control cards show each part with its label.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names the parts of a real tree outside
- Completes the tree puzzle independently
- Matches three-part cards