The Art of Trees
Grade level:
K-3
Goal: To understand the parts of a tree and develop respect
for a tree as a living organism.
Objectives:
1) Learn how a tree grows.
2) Identify the basic parts of a tree.
3) Develop a greater respect of living organisms by understanding that each of these is made up of many parts.
Prep Time:
15 min.
Activity Time: 45 min.
Summary: Students use observation and art techniques to depict the growth of a tree from seedling to crown.
Supplies:
drawing paper
drawing board (if outside)
masking tape (if outside)
crayons
Steps:
1). This activity can be done indoors or outdoors. Either way, a tree or poster of a tree should be provided for student observation.
2). Tell students that they are going to "grow" a tree through art. Remind students that it is important to follow directions and work carefully in order to "grow" a beautiful tree.
3). Provide students with all necessary materials. If working outdoors, use masking tape on four corners of paper and secure to drawing board.
4). Give students their instructions:
Look at this tree. Notice how tall it is, its body shape and the many parts it has. How did this tree start growing?
Using a brown crayon, "plant" a seed on the bottom of your paper (teacher should be demonstrating simultaneously).
Although we can no longer see the seed that grew this tree (point to living tree or poster), what is the next part of the tree "growing" up from the ground. Draw a trunk up to the middle of the page.
What "holds" the trunk in place? Draw lots of roots coming out from the bottom of the trunk.
Back to the top of the tree. What do you notice growing out from the trunk? Draw three large branches. Now add some medium size branches and lots of smaller, twig-like branches to those.
Look at our tree (point to living tree or poster) and examine the "skin"/"clothes" it uses for protection. Add bark to your tree, using details and rough design. You can use a variety of colors like grays or blacks, (It is important that children learn to use realistic "natural" coloring when learning to depict plants and wildlife. This helps remind children that these are real, living and growing organisms).
Depending on the time of year, students can add spring, summer or fall foliage. Remind students to carefully observe colors and shapes of foliage.
At this time, students can add background and other environmental elements (sun, clouds, birds, etc.) to work.
Note to the teacher: Try to be supportive and encouraging of student's work. Many students may feel that they have not created anything that looks like a tree. You can remind them that there are many different types of trees and each tree, like people are unique and special in their own way. Encourage students to continue observing details and depicting other plants or animals through the media of art. Perhaps they could create a portfolio with their artwork and information about each piece.
5). Once their work is completed, have students discuss what they noticed about how they previously recreated nature through drawings and now. Ask what they enjoyed drawing most and why. Emphasize the importance of depicting nature in a more realistic manner and how people develop more respect for something when they understand it is a complex living organism.
Extensions:
1). Read:
The Tree by Naomi Russell
All About Seeds by Susan Kuchalla
2). Choose five different trees to draw, gather data on, and present in a journal or book.
Thank you Lori
Klein for your lesson plan!
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