Classroom trees

In our discussion of trees we had some "formal" tree activities and others not so formal. 

 

One, of course, was chicka chicka boom boom.  Remember in a previous post we made this tree at our art table.  Well today we put it together and read "chicka chicka boom boom".  I had previously put all the letters of the alphabet around the room.  We read it all the way through once.  Then we "acted it out" on our second reading by finding the letters, putting them off the tree, and then taking them off and re-hiding them when they fall off.  After they wanted to do it again.  So we did.  Some kids in my class know all their letters and sounds, some are still working on it.  This was a good opportunity to help in the practice in a formal way."

 

One day on the white board we had a tree and fall colored pom poms for leaves.

 

Another day I wrote up green letters for leaves.  Then I had leaf magnets with matching letters on them.  One day we "formally" put the matching letters on the tree.  Then next day it was a free choice activity.  I am also going to make leaves that have the matching lower-case letters.