Activity: Outdoor Learning – The Tree and Me – Foundation

Quick summary: During this lesson students gain a greater appreciation of the value of trees by exploring and creating rhyming poetry. After writing a class poem, students form groups and create a series of tableaus that reflect and enhance the meaning of the poem. The class poem and photos of the tableaus are used to create a display in the school to raise awareness of the importance of trees.

This lesson is designed to be taught outside. It contains all the tools required for students to reap the benefits of being outdoors while learning the outcomes of the Australian Curriculum. By spending time outdoors and connecting to nature, students are more likely to care for and conserve nature as adults.

We’ve taken elements of this lesson and adapted them for remote learning. You can find this activity here.

Essential questions:

• Why are trees important?
• What are some examples of rhyming words and how can they be used?
• How do pictures help tell a story?
• What are the mental, physical and academic benefits of completing classroom activities outside?

21st century skills:

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Foundation English

• Explore the different contribution of words and images to meaning in stories and informative texts (ACELA1786)

Syllabus outcomes: ENe-8B.

General capabilities: Literacy.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.

Relevant parts of Foundation English achievement standards: Students listen for rhyme, letter patterns and sounds in words. They identify and use rhyme, letter patterns and sounds in words.

Topic: Outdoor Learning, Biodiversity.

Unit of work: Outdoor Learning Unit.

Time required: 45 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – the teacher reads a story, guides discussions, assists with brainstorming, writes students’ ideas and takes photos.

Resources required: The Busy Tree by Jennifer Ward (or another rhyming book about the importance of trees). Sticky notes. Digital camera or device capable of taking photos.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital photography, digital sharing capabilities.

Keywords: rhyme, rhyming, poetry, writing, conservation, trees, habitats, illustrations, images, outdoor learning.

Cool Australia would like to thank The Albert George & Nancy Caroline Youngman Trust – managed by Equity Trustees.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.