Learning Activity Plan for PreK-Grade 2
Age/Grade level
Name of Lesson
Content area(s)/developmental
domain(s) addressed
Brief description of the lesson
This lesson is:
Rationale
Timeframe
Objective(s) of the activity
Connections to standards
Language Objectives
4 years old
The Giving Tree
Social/emotional, physical, and cognitive
Children will read “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. As a class, they will discuss how trees
help us and how they can help trees in return. After the read aloud, children will create their own
crowns made of leaves.
∗ A new concept/activity
It is important for children to learn about the different ways trees are beneficial to us and why it
is important to take care of nature. Not only is this activity a great way for children to explore
more about the characteristics of trees, but it also provides morals and lessons that foster the
idea of giving and unconditional love.
20 minutes
Children will be able to identify the several ways in which trees are used
NYS Early Learning Guidelines - Domain IV (Cognition and General Knowledge), M. Scientific
Knowledge: Child observe and describe characteristics of living things
Domain I (Physical Well-Being, Health, and Motor Development), B. Fine Motor Skills
This learning segment focuses on the discourse among the class about the many uses of trees.
Children are expressing their thoughts through oral language and class discussion.

Resources/materials needed:
(Include any worksheets or
sources of evidence for
children’s learning you will use
during the activity)
Technology inclusion (if
applicable)
Procedures (step by step)
Learning Activity Plan for PreK-Grade 2
• “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein
• Construction paper
• Leaves
• Glue
Anticipatory Set (Connection/Motivation) - Introduce the activity by explaining to the children
that they will be learning about the many ways we use trees. Remind them to pay close attention
to how the tree is being used.
Instruction/Mini Lesson - Read “The Giving Tree”. After, discuss with the class how the tree in
the story was used and document the responses. Continue to discuss some other ways trees are
used.
Independent Practice - Each child will then create their own leaf crown, as the boy did in the
beginning of the story. As they are working, go around and ask each child how they would use
their own giving tree.
Closure - The children will reflect on the story. They may be asked “Do you think the tree was
treated well? Why is it important to take care of our trees?”
 Learning Activity Plan for PreK-Grade 2

Method of assessing children’s Pre-assessment Assessment of Student Assessment of Children’s

understanding of lesson/
activity/objective(s)
(Be sure to include any tools,
rubrics/checklists and/or
worksheets you will use for
assessment(s)
Children will first demonstrate
their knowledge of the different
parts of a tree to understand
why each part of a tree is
important.
Learning
The students’ responses of the
many different ways the tree was
used in the book will be
documented.
Language Learning
Children’s language learning
will be assessed based on
how they make connections
from the book to the outside
world.

Plans for differentiated
instruction/instructional
modifications
Follow up/Extension activities
Any additional information
that would be helpful for the
observer to know
Supporting children with Supporting English Language Learners
identified delays or disabilities I will make sure that every student has a chance to participate
Struggling children can refer and share their ideas by writing down each of their responses
to the book as inspiration on the board.
when asked what trees are
used for or what they would
use their own tree for.
Using the responses from the children when asked how they would use their own giving tree,
create a class book. Have the class participate in decorating it with leaves, pinecones, etc.

Observer feedback on the lesson plan, including commendations and recommendations for improving aspects of the learning activity