Two years ago come this Spring, on Arbor Day my kindergarteners planted a fir tree out in the forest behind my school. At the time, I told the children about my friend Tonia, a girl who hugged trees. Last year in December I read The Night Tree by Eve Bunting to my children. It is a WONDERFUL story about one family's special December tradition of decorating a tree for the animals. After listening to the story, the children all wanted "to decorate" a tree and so we went out into the woods and talked about what animals would like to eat and the following day we became busy as bees making peanut butter pinecones dipped in birdseed. This year, once again, I read the story....but this time the children were not content with the peanut butter pine cones. Would not the forest animals like oranges? What about popcorn? And of course, the "gooy stuff" (suet) Mom puts out for the birds.
Dipping peanut butter pinecones in birdseed.
And then of course we had the popcorn table.......
At the round table, Mrs. Parsons was showing the children how to thread orange slices....
And back at the popcorn table, one girl seems to have forgotten just who we are going to feed........
Not to worry....we had plenty of popcorn......for both animals and children. Actually, we had several wolfing down on the peanut butter, too and I think some children even tried the bird seed. After we finished making the treats, we went out into the forest to find Tonia's Tree. Once again it will provide a wonderful holiday for our woodland friends.
Wishing you all a Holiday filled with love and light and good things to eat!
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Comments: 58
Definitely a wonderful Christmas tree - present for the animals in the forest. I bet the kids will remember this forever.
I have no idea what New England critter will wolf down on orange slices....but that "inspiration" came from one of the kids and I decided to go with it. Maybe next year someone will suggest Reese's Peanut butter cups and you know who will be out their raiding the tree after the last bus pulls out in the afternoon. Lol
Haven't posted anything in two weeks....been extremely busy during the week with assessments and report cards. Then last week-end I was busy with a Bone Marrow Drive on Saturday and then "Holiday Open House" on Sunday. Literally, I've been off Gather for ages it seems. Though I had images for both Zoomit and Rainbow Connection Challenges last week, just never found the time to post them. Now that the reports are out, I can breathe easy.
Thank you, as always!
I love the photos my friend you are quite the photographer, they capture the atmosphere of the day perfectly, Thanks for inviting us on your excursion to the woods Bob another wonderful post, take care.
Darcey.
Beautiful as always
*missed you last week...love you...
the oranges would be eaten by the drop-bears or the bunyips if left out here... congratulations on your welcome return to sharing your marvelous photo stories of those beautiful children and the wonderful world of discovery to which you direct them Bob.
As we went back into the school, the children were all speculating what woodland creatures would stop by that night.
She was a hoot...I think she ate more popcorn then she threaded.
Watching young children in action always does bring a smile to one's face.
I'm afraid no one suggested vegemite dipped bananas for the tree.
I relish the fact that my class has NO allegies. We would never be able to do this activity if we were peanut-free.
They loved the activity and today they wanted to revisit Tonia's tree.....and yes, we did have night visitors or so it seems.
How can you blame them for dipping in on the supplies, that popcorn looks pretty yummy!
I do believe that the little bees and other insects will enjoy the juice and the orange rind...nothing will go to waste as long as it's organic! Now, I'll have to do this as I have pinecones and bird seed but no Peanut butter - ok - I'll pick some up and make fudge too! hugs galore and blessings to your class. Salud
cheers,gayle
Good to see your wonderful teaching style once again, Bob.
Hugs and blessings - S.
Loved the picture of the little girl eating the popcorn. That would have been me most likely!
Baltimore Orioles love orange slices and grape jelly, but it is a bit chilly for them at this time of year, I think they are already sunning themselves down south.
You are the best teacher ever!
Hope Casey had a ball making a wildlife tree!
I can't believe how many people did this with their kids!
Finally got my tree up with a little help from friends.