Sassie Sassafras
Be sure to read through the Educational Standards Met link to get some more ideas on how this program can be used to meet educational essentials.
- Redbud
- Northern Red Oak
- Longleaf Pine
- Sassafras
- Sugar Maple
- Sweetgum
- Tuliptree
- Flowering Dogwood
- Lombardy Poplar
The Leaf Critters Learn Your Trees Pre-K Character Collection includes 9 color cut-out characters (1 for each of the trees above), as well as a reproducible coloring sheet for each character.
How to Use: You can approach the learning by giving the preschoolers one sheet per day. Have them color the Leaf Critters® image any color they want. Then read the text inside the balloon out loud. When you are later playing outside, have them look for leaves. Any tree leaf will do. Tape the ones that match the Leaf Critter of the day on the door and celebrate that your site has an oak tree (for example) by clapping and cheering! Also hang the cut-out of the Leaf Critter (in this case Oakster™, with any leaves that match it.
The Leaf Critters Learn Your Trees K-2 Dot-to-Dot Collection includes 9 color cut-out characters (1 for each of the trees above), as well as a reproducible connect-the-dots sheet for each character.
How to Use: You can approach this group the same as the above, only allow time for them to solve the dot-to-dot “problem” first. You can also make a day of it with this group. It is recommended that no more than 5 Leaf Critters® be presented to the class on any given day.
The Leaf Critters Learn Your Trees 3-5 Activity Collection includes 9 color cut-out characters (1 for each of the trees above), as well as a reproducible sheet with a connect-the-dots character, winter tree outline, flower and fruit of each tree, as well as fun facts about each tree.
How to Use: You can use this for Science for several days using just 5 of the Leaf Critters® . Break the class into 5 groups. Hand each group one of the Leaf Critters® sheets. Have them read it through together and color in each of the drawings. The next day, go out and take a walk on a tree trail so they can “See the Tree™” that the Leaf Critter calls home. The following day, have each group stand up in front of the class and give a presentation where all members are involved. This can be a great exercise for learning during Earth Week (on or around April 22nd) in the spring, or really anytime during the fall or when you teach plant growth.