Are you looking for ways to add a bit of Arbor Day homeschool fun to your plans? I’ve put together 10+ ideas to help you get started!
I love trees. Knowing that it shouldn’t be any surprise that my favorite Dr. Seuss book is The Lorax. This is my favorite movie version of the book. It is a great watch, minus the weird guitar song…I skip that part every time. LOL
10+ Ideas for Arbor Day Homeschool Fun
Our family loves to travel and I’ve seen many types of trees that I’ve liked in different places we’ve visited. However, most would not survive in the North Woods of Maine. This step is essential before considering the next two ways to celebrate Arbor Day.
As I mentioned above, knowing what tree species will grow in your region is important. Equally as important is ensuring that the location, soil and other requirements of a tree species are conducive to you and your home.
You just dig a hole and put it in the ground, right? While that is the basic idea, there are a few technicalities to learn about to ensure a tree is planted properly.
- Plant trees
After all Arbor Day is all about trees right? Before you head out to the store to purchase trees to plant, check with your local organizations as they often have tree sales. If there aren’t any happening in your area, my next recommendation would be to…
- Join the Arbor Day Foundation
For as little as a one-time donation of $12, you’ll receive 10 trees specific to your zip code location to plant in your yard or you can opt to donate the trees and one of their partners will plant them in an area in need of trees.
- Start a year-round tree study
Arbor Day isn’t the only time we can learn about trees. This free printable is an easy way for your kids to note what is happening to a particular tree year-round.
- Trim or prune trees
Trees need to be cared for like any other plant, but as with most things, there is a correct way to do so. Take time to learn how to prune trees properly or you could damage/kill them.
- Rake leaves
Dead, fallen leaves are best used in your compost pile to create rich soil for new plants.
- Move tree-ring flower beds
While it does look pretty to have a flower bed around the base of a tree trunk, the excess soil can cause root or trunk rot.
- Go for a tree-identifying hike
This is my favorite book for nature studies and it would be a great guide to help your children learn to identify trees.
- Create leaf or tree art
Whether your children sketch trees and/or their leaves on your hike, bring home leaves to create prints or rubbings or design their own tree art, art is always a fun subject to bring into any study that you can!
Additional Resources for Tree Studies
