Inspired by “the alphabet tree” by Leo Lionni and “Small Medium & Large” by Jane Monroe Donovan we embarked on our tree creating adventure.
Before starting the activity we summarized both books. We had read them the previous day so I wanted to ensure that they would see the connection with the activity. Retelling and summarizing books is a very good practice to get into. It lets you know if they comprehend what they are being read. Something that will be very important once they start reading on their own.
We looked at our Christmas tree and made the connection that if they had to pick one shape to describe the tree that it looks like a triangle. We also talked about the shape of the trunk. A was very logical in her assessment that it was a circle. I then guided her to look at it from the front and if she was still seeing a circle and she said it was a “square or a rectangle”.
I used 3 different green papers to cut 3 sizes of triangles (petit-small, moyen-medium, grand-large).
I thought about drawing a large triangle on their paper to have them fill it in with their triangles but I opted not to. I figured I would see what they would come up with, after all it’s the process we’re after.
Once they thought their true was complete they cut out “trunks” for their trees. J thought his tree needed more than one trunk. I actually think that he simply wanted to cut more trunks. 
After all it’s his creation.
Once they were done with their tree we switched our attention over to “the alphabet tree”. We discussed words that make them think of Christmas. We then used sticker letters to put words on their trees (much like the book).
A told me that they should put an “s” on gift to make it more than one (Thank you WordWorld!)
These were fun and creative. I think they could easily be made by older children to practice vocabulary. I will leave with a final note from Leo Lionni’s “the alphabet tree” peace on earth and goodwill toward al men. Such nurturing words for young minds.
