Fall is a great time of year for going on a nature hike to learn about trees. In this episode, trail guide Teresa D’Anna offers parents tips and tricks for teaching kids about trees while we’re out on the trail.
As you plan your hike, here are a some helpful hints. You can mix and match them up to suit you and your family’s interests and children’s ages:
Before You Go:
Books to Read
- We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt – This is a fun read for kids K through 2nd grade. Use it to get kids excited about looking for leaves.
- The Giving Tree– 2nd through 4th grades. This moving parable is a great read for kids and can help them start thinking about all the things trees give us: shelter, oxygen, things in our home (table, chairs, dressers, cabinets) and at school (desks, paper, books and pencils). This is also a good story to help kids make connections between nature and the larger world around them.
- The Young Naturalist – grades 5 and up. This book offers kids more in depth learning about becoming a naturalist and looks at how trees are the base for the woodland community.
- Fandex Family Field Guide: Trees – all ages. This handy guide will help you and the kids identify trees on your hike.
Make Your Own Trail Mix
Here’s a way to squeeze in some math skills in a tasty way. Kids and parents can mix up their own special blend of trail mix. Place bowls or bags of dried fruits, coconut, chocolate chips, and nuts on the kitchen counter or table; then have everyone place their own ratio, proportion, or, fraction of ingredients into sandwich bags.
