Mindfulness, Biodiversity and Wellbeing
Schools Tree Day (and National Tree Day) is all about regeneration – whether it’s ecosystems recovering from the vicious bushfires, or our mental and emotional recovery in the wake of COVID-19.
Whilst Schools Tree Day occurs each year at the end of July, these lessons offer so much more and can be used in the classroom any time of the year.
In particular, our units of work focusing on mindfulness and wellbeing are best when used regularly throughout the year and help to develop skills in focus, resilience, emotional intelligence and regulation of the body and emotions.
Why are Trees so important for the environment?
Each year thousands of schools across Australia take part in National Schools Tree Day by getting their hands dirty and planting a few. But why are trees so important for the environment anyway? Check out this video to see how other schools have been participating each year. For more information and research from the National Tree Day team, head over to the National Tree Day site.
Brand New Lesson!
Schools Tree Day – Story Trees – English – Years 4-6
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.
Get involved as a school.
Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has become Australia’s largest community tree-planting event.
Check out the National Tree Day website for ways to get involved this year and for other nature-themed resources.
#NationalTreeDay
Schools Tree Day Education Resources
Following these lesson plans is an ideal way for your school to take part in the largest nature-care event in Australian schools, Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference, fostering a child’s love of nature and creating positive environmental change. So, get growing!

How to Plant a Tree! –
All Year Levels

What is Biodiversity? –
All Year Levels

[email protected] – Schools Tree Day – Biodiversity
– Ages 10-12

Dirtgirl Shows Us How
to Plant!
– Early Learning – Year 4

People Trees!
– Early Learning

Get to Know a Tree
– Early Learning

Be a Tree
– Early Learning

Who Needs a Tree?
– Foundation

Local Forest Mural
– Years 1 & 2

What makes us click isn’t a device – Years 1 to 6

Adopt a Habitat Tree
– Years 3 & 4

Growing Grit
– Years 3 to 6

How Trees Interact With The Elements – Science – Years 4 to 6

Enhancing Biodiversity through Schools Tree Day
– Years 5 & 6

Biodiversity Challenge
– Years 7 & 8

Schoolyard Food Webs
– Years 7 & 8

Growing Grit
– Years 7 to 10

What makes us click isn’t a device – Years 7 to 10

Research the Benefits of Nature – Years 9 & 10
Nature of Mindfulness – Activities for Well-being
Students will develop body awareness through a variety of mindful practices, including crouching, standing, shape-making, breathing and balancing. Through these practices, students will develop their natural awareness, improve their concentration and become more mindful in their daily lives.

[email protected] – Schools Tree Day – Mindfulness
– Ages 8 to 10

Nature of Mindfulness
– Early Learning

Nature of Mindfulness
– Primary
With Thanks to our Partners
The lessons have been developed in partnership with Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day – the largest nature-care event in Australian schools. You and your children will join thousands of amazing educators and 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.
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