Not Just a Family
Tree
Written by
T. Dula
Materials:
Branch
Modeling Clay
Paint
Medium-Large Flower Pot
Child-safe scissors
Children model what they see! So why not teach them the
importance of family and cooperation by creating your own family tree! First you will need to find a large tree
branch in your yard with enough twigs to hold a leaf for each family
member. Make a fun game out of searching
for the branch. Tell your family members
that after everyone collects the branch that they feel is the BEST, the family
will vote on the perfect one for the project.
After the family votes on the branch, place the branch in a medium to large
flower pot. Modeling clay can be used to
hold it in place. Next is the hard part-let
it completely dry overnight! The excitement of the project will make this
hard. As a result, as a family talk
about ways of recycling things found in nature to create other cool
projects. You can also create a family
blog to teach others your findings! Once the branch is sturdy in its new home,
give each family member an artificial leaf and a small amount of modeling clay
(using a large amount of clay will make the leaf too heavy for the branch). Tell them to press the modeling clay into the
back of the leaf and gently cut around it with child safe scissors. Next, have
everyone engrave their name on their leaf.
You can choose to paint the leaves and then attach the leaves by
allowing the clay to mold to the chosen twig.
After everyone has finished their leaf, paint your family name on the
pot and let dry. There you have it-your own family tree for all to see! Not
only have you taught your children cooperation and the importance of family,
you have also helped them learn patience and teamwork! Have fun!
Resources:
Hanson,L.& Kempskie,H. ( 2008). The siblings busybook. Minnetonka,
Minnesota: Meadowbrook P
