Introduction
Welcome: The Giving Tree
Description: We will consider characteristics of self, gifts individuals have to give to others, and how they contribute to a whole community. Also, we will describe and explore traits, types, and uses of trees.
Grade Level: 3-4
Curriculum: English / Language Arts
Keywords: gifts, talents, characteristics, discovery, traits
Author(s): Zainab Omasan
Task
Now that we have read the book, we are going to take a closer look.
There was a friendship between the tree and boy. When they spent time together, it was quite a joy. But as time passed the boy grew older. He cut off its branches and threw them over his shoulder.Pretty soon time passed and the tree had nothing left to give. Except wood for a boat so they boy could find a new place to live. The tree was unhappy until the boy finally returned to rest. The boy and tree had a friendship that was simply the best!
What are some of the gifts that you can give others? Instead of apples and branches, think of some characteristics that make you special. For example, you may be good at helping mom with the dishes or sharing a toy with a friend. You could be friendly, outgoing, funny, trustworthy, or any other traits you can think of. Write down 3 of your favorite traits about yourself on the apples given.
Process
Complete the following adventures!
1. First, you are going to discover what tree rings are. Go to a search website like Google to answer the questions below:
- Rings of a tree show a passage of __________.
- Trees are protected by the outer layer called __________.
- Each ring shows another __________ of growth. (how much time?)
2. Next, name three types of fruit that grows on trees, other than apples:
- ________________
- ________________
- ________________
3. Let's take a look at the parts of a tree.
Who can predict what the main, strong part of the tree is? (covered in bark)
What do you think the top of the tree is called where all the leaves go? (hint: a king would wear this)
What about the part of the tree that is planted and grows underground? (they are connected on the bottom)
4. Search Google and record answers for this information:
- Main part: _______________
- Top part: _______________
- Underground: _______________
5. What are three reasons trees are so important? What are they used for?
1. _______________________
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
6. Now that we have gained some information about characteristics of different trees, think about characteristics of yourself. Use your imagination! If you were a tree would you be tall? Would you be small and thin or big and strong? What type of fruit would you grow? What environment would you grow in?
After you have thought about these things, write how many rings you would have if you were a tree (your age). Finally, design your own tree with the traits and characteristics that describe you. Once you have it drawn using crayons or colored pencils, cut out and glue on your apples where you would like on your picture. Be creative!!
Evaluation
| # | Beginning 1 | Developing 2 | Very Good 3 | Exemplary 4 | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completed Hand outs | Completed one to zero handouts with few correct answers | Completed two handouts with most answers correct. | Completed three handouts with most to all answers correct. | Completed four handouts with most to all answers correct. | %20 |
| Navigated through the WebQuest | Performed one to zero of the assigned tasks. With little to no effort. | Performed two to three of the assigned tasks. With some effort. | Performed three to four of the assigned tasks. With a good deal of effort. | Performed four to five of the assigned tasks. With great effort. | %15 |
| Product | Little Creative discusses very little about what a consumer would need to know about the product. | Little Creative and dicusses some of what a consumer would need to know about the product. | Creative and discusses most of what a consumer would need to know about the product. | Very Creative and discusses all a consumer would need to know about the product. | %50 |
| Group performance | Works cooperatively with a few of the group members and completes some of the assignment. | Works cooperatively with some of the members of the groups and complets most of the assignment. | Works cooperatively with most members of the group in order to complete the assignment. | Works cooperatively with all members of the group in order to complete the assignment. | %15 |
Conclusion
So, what are some things you learned today that you didn�t know before?
Can anyone share a trait that they discovered they have?
What did we learn about characteristics of trees?
How does this relate to the story we read?
Teacher Page
Zainab Omasan is a 4th-grade Homeroom teacher designed to develop, nurture, and foster an environment of growth and development!
Literature:
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KCAS
RL 3.2- Recount stories including fables,
folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message,
lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the
text. This will be accomplished by having students discuss the moral of the
story The Giving Tree, and then discussing details that help illustrate
this message.
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KCAS
RL 3.3- Describe characters in a story (e.g.
their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions
contribute to the sequence of events. By having the students think about
and discuss the characters in the story read, they will be able to discover
their traits and motivations, as well as connecting with characteristics of
themselves.
Science:
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KCAS
ET 2.4- Students use the concept of scale
and scientific models to explain the organization and functioning of living and
nonliving things and predict other characteristics that might be observed. This
will be accomplished by discussing several traits of a tree and exploring characteristics
and functions of these living things.