Unit of Work

Literacy, Numeracy, Science

Subjects covered	Activities	Resources	Differentiation
Literacy	Storytelling about trees and their importance Creating a class tree-themed book Writing tree-related poems or rhymes Reading books about trees	Pictures or illustrations of different types of trees Storybooks about trees Writing materials	Provide sentence starters or word banks for emergent writers Allow students to dictate their stories or poems to a scribe Provide a variety of reading materials at different levels
Numeracy	Counting and sorting leaves or tree-related objects Measuring the height of different trees using non-standard units Creating a bar graph to compare the number of different types of trees Identifying and extending patterns using tree-themed materials	Leaves or tree-related objects for counting and sorting Rulers or measuring tapes Chart paper or whiteboard for bar graph Pattern blocks or tree puzzles	Provide visual aids or manipulatives for counting and sorting Offer support in measuring and recording measurements Allow students to work in pairs or small groups for graphing and pattern activities
Science	Observing and identifying different parts of a tree Exploring the lifecycle of a tree Investigating the impact of sunlight on tree growth Conducting a leaf color experiment	Real or model trees for observation Books or videos about tree lifecycles Pots, soil, and seeds for growing small trees Leaves of various colors	Provide visual aids or diagrams to support tree part identification Offer simplified explanations and hands-on experiences for understanding lifecycles Adjust experiments based on students' abilities and interests

Arts Subjects

Subjects covered	Activities	Resources	Differentiation
Visual Arts	Create leaf rubbings using different types of leaves Paint or draw a picture of a tree Create a collage using different materials to represent the different parts of a tree	Leaves Paints and brushes Paper Glue Scissors Various materials for collage (e.g., tissue paper, cotton balls, popsicle sticks)	Provide different sizes and shapes of leaves for students with additional needs Offer a variety of art supplies to cater to different preferences and abilities
Music	Sing songs related to trees (e.g., "The Green Grass Grows All Around") Create a rhythm using clapping or tapping to mimic the sound of leaves rustling Play simple percussion instruments to accompany a song about trees	Song lyrics or printed song sheets Clapping hands or small drums Percussion instruments (e.g., tambourine, maracas, rhythm sticks)	Provide visual aids or gestures to support students with additional needs Allow students to choose their preferred instrument or method of participation
Drama	Act out the life cycle of a tree (e.g., seed, sprout, tree, falling leaves) Create freeze frames to depict different tree-related scenarios (e.g., animals living in a tree, tree in different seasons) Play a game of "Simon Says" with tree-themed actions (e.g., reach for the sky like a tree, sway like a tree in the wind)	Props or visuals to represent each stage of the life cycle Open space for freeze frames No additional resources required for "Simon Says"	Provide clear instructions and visual prompts for students with additional needs Allow students to choose their own tree-related actions for "Simon Says"
Dance	Create a dance routine that imitates the movements of different types of trees Follow a dance tutorial online that incorporates tree-inspired movements	Open space for dancing Access to a device with internet and a screen to watch the tutorial	Allow students to interpret the movements in their own unique way Provide support or adaptations for students with physical disabilities

Station Ideas

Station 1: Tree Senses

Materials:

Blindfolds
Various tree objects (leaves, bark, seeds)

Activities:

Blindfold one student and have them feel different tree objects. Can they guess what object it is?
Discuss the different senses we use to explore trees.

Station 2: Tree Art

Materials:

Art materials (paper, paint, crayons, colored pencils)
Tree pictures or photographs

Activities:

Encourage students to draw or paint their own tree pictures.
Look at different tree pictures or photographs and discuss the shapes, colors, and textures.

Station 3: Tree Sorting

Materials:

Tree flashcards (different types of trees, leaves, fruits)
Sorting mats or containers

Activities:

Sort the tree flashcards into different categories (e.g., deciduous vs. evergreen, types of leaves, types of fruits).
Discuss the characteristics of each category.

Station 4: Tree Puzzles

Materials:

Tree-themed puzzles (with different difficulty levels)

Activities:

Complete tree puzzles individually or in groups.
Discuss the different parts of a tree and how they fit together.

Station 5: Tree Books

Materials:

Books about trees (fiction and non-fiction)
Cozy reading area with cushions or bean bags

Activities:

Read and explore different tree books.
Engage in discussions about trees and their importance.

Story Time

Once upon a time in a magical forest, there was a little tree named Twiggy. Twiggy was a small and lively tree who loved to play and make new friends. Every day, she would sway in the gentle breeze and admire the colorful birds flying by.

One sunny morning, as Twiggy was stretching her branches, she saw a group of children approaching the forest. They were from the local school, led by their kind teacher, Miss Lily. The children were excited to explore the forest and learn about its wonders.

Miss Lily gathered the children around Twiggy and said, "Today, we will learn about the importance of trees. They provide us with fresh air to breathe, shade on hot days, and homes for many animals. Can you all say hello to Twiggy?"

The children happily greeted Twiggy, saying, "Hello, Twiggy!" Twiggy felt thrilled to have so many new friends. She swayed her branches in delight, making the children giggle.

As the children played games and learned about the different types of trees in the forest, Twiggy listened carefully. She overheard Miss Lily explaining that trees start as tiny seeds and grow tall and strong over time.

Twiggy thought to herself, "I want to be a big and strong tree too! I want to provide shade and a home for animals."

Later that day, after the children had left, Twiggy shared her dream with her forest friends – a wise old oak tree named Oliver and a friendly squirrel named Sammie. Oliver smiled and said, "Twiggy, if you want to grow big, you must take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water, soak up the sunlight, and let your roots reach deep into the earth."

Sammie added, "And don't forget to be patient. Growing takes time, just like learning new things."

Twiggy was determined to follow their advice. She started drinking water from the nearby stream and reaching her branches towards the sunlight. She felt grateful for the rain that quenched her thirst and the sun that gave her energy.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Twiggy grew taller and stronger, just as she had always dreamed. Her branches extended far and wide, providing shade for animals and a cozy spot for the children to sit under during their visits.

One summer day, as the children returned to the forest, they noticed Twiggy's remarkable growth. They cheered, "Wow, Twiggy! You've grown so big and beautiful!"

Twiggy beamed with joy. She was proud of herself and grateful for her friends' guidance. From that day forward, Twiggy continued to grow, providing shade, shelter, and happiness to all who visited the magical forest.