Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students are instructed in how to view trees as a guide to story structures and how to use trees and wildlife as characters in stories from their local environment to celebrate Schools Tree Day. They use trees as both metaphor and subject for crafting a narrative, using their creativity and their connections to native wildlife.
This lesson is an ideal way for students to engage with Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your students will join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing! It only takes a minute to register for Schools Tree Day.
Learning Intentions:
- Students describe and explain qualities about local trees and wildlife
- Students plan, create, edit and publish a story about a tree in the local environment
21st-century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping (Ver. 9.0)
Content descriptions:
Year 4:
Year 5:
Year 6:
NSW Syllabus outcomes: EN2-2A, EN3-2A, GE2-1, GE2-2, GE3-1, GE3-2
General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Literacy
Cross-curriculum Priority: Sustainability – Systems (SS1)
Topic: Schools Tree Day; Biodiversity
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work Schools Tree Day – Primary
Time required: 120 minutes.
Level of teacher scaffolding: High – Facilitate explicit teaching and guide students through independent observations and writing. Some students may require additional literacy support.
Resources required:
- Pens and paper per student
- Devices for taking photos – OPTIONAL
- Student Worksheet – as needed per student.
Keywords: Schools Tree Day, trees, story, stories, native wildlife, connection.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
