Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Great Kapok Tree


This year we have been studying the importance that trees play in our world.  We have studied "The Lorax" by Dr. Suess, and to end the year we took an in depth look at "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynn Cherry.

We studied the importance of the rainforest to the earth's ecosystem.  We discussed why we need to maintain the balance in the rainforest.  We looked at videos of the animals who call the rainforest their home.

We presented a reader's theater production of the story to the parents.  Then we planted two trees.  This combined our study of both books.  From The Lorax - "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not."

From The Great Kapok Tree - "If you cut down this tree, you will destroy that which gives us all life."

The students promised to care for these trees.  I know they will.  I know they will remember this year and their teachers and classmates whenever they look at the new trees in the garden.  These children are already caretakers of the earth, help them grow into ecologically aware adults. 

You can help your child do this by making wise choices and pointing this out to your children. 
  • Limit use of plastic. (water bottles, grocery bags can be eliminated entirely)
  • Choose ecofriendly materials for shoes, clothing, furniture and household items.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Use your car less, buy a hybrid.
  • Buy in bulk. (Large containers of yogurt, then portion them into reusable containers, etc.)
  • Buy items that have the least amount of packaging. (Lunchables have excessive packaging)
  • Turn off items or unplug them when not in use.
All of these small changes will help us care for the earth.  From The Great Kapok Tree - "You cut cown one tree and come back for another and another.  You don't think what it would be like for your children to live in a world without trees."

Unless you and your children think about it, nature may disappear.

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