This set of activities is a great class project that can be used as the framework for an entire school day.
The day could start off with a Christmas tree in the room (Live would be best. Then the Children could read the book as it is only a 25 page picture book. Once finished the children can go through each lesson. These lessons include discussion questions, science, and social studies activities. A few fun extras at the end of the lessons include some Christmas ASL signs and a recipe for homemade biscuits. Round out the day by decorating the tree with simple, old-fashioned decorations that either the students can make or you bring from home.
This is a great Christmas activity that focuses on learning about the planet and the deaf community/language!
View our teachers page to get your educational material
Environmental Education
AFTERWORD BY KAT KRAMER
Well folks, now that you’ve read and found the magic in “The Evergreen Christmas Tree” it’s time to create a sustainable Holiday tradition. Frank and Virgie Ann replant their Christmas tree, and they’re setting a great example of how you can be environmentally conscious. It’s especially important to Jimmy Byrge that families and our youth take an interest in saving our planet. You can hang on to the Christmas spirit, enhance Holiday memories and help the ecology at the same time. The truth is, you cannot replant a live tree if it’s cut. The root ball needs to be intact. You need to spend proper time in selecting a living Christmas Tree. Blue Spruce, Douglas r, Fraser r, Norway Spruce, and White Pine are all good choices. It does take maintenance and care year round. Living trees are a wonderful education for children. If you can’t plant your tree, consider donating it to local parks departments or environmental organizations as a contribution to your community. If you are serious about replanting a living Christmas Tree, it will transition from indoor tree to outdoor plant. Here are some helpful tips below to keep your tree alive and thriving.
1. Make sure to remove all ornaments.
2. Keep your tree in a cool space away from heat sources. An indoor garage will do.
3. You need to keep your tree well hydrated. Water it daily.
4. Only keep your living Christmas Tree indoors 5-7 days max.
5. Choose an area in your yard with adequate sunlight and drainage before the ground freezes.
Your tree must get aclimated to the outdoors.
6. Dig a hole about 2 feet in diameter and 18 inches deep.
7. Store the removed soil in a frost free area.
8. Cover the hole and ll it with leaves for insulation.
9. Remove any wire baskets or burlap from the root ball of the tree. Your tree must be placed in the hole,
making sure the root are is slightly above ground level.
10. Backll with stored soil, remove air pockets. Water your tree well and help settle the soil.
11. Apply 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch at the base of the tree. The mulch will help your tree retain moisture.
Mulch is material that keeps moisture in soil, such as compost, bark mulches, pine needles, shredded leaves and newspapers. Spring is the most opportune time.
If you want to give children the joy of watching trees come to life, there are many national and international non-prots that are dedicated to planting trees.
Arbor Day Foundation: a non-prot organization aimed to inspire the next generations of tree planters.
https://www.arborday.org/
Plant A Tree Nation: A non-prot organization devoted to planting trees around the world.
www.plantatreenation.org
Once you replant the living tree, it can last forever. Ageless and Evergreen……
Live your dreams,
Kat