Plant a Tree Day
Environmental Stewardship
25 minutes
Small groups taking turns
Service
Learning Objective
Take action to improve the environment through tree planting
Materials Needed
- Young plants suitable for local climate (breadfruit, mango, flowering plants)
- Child-size shovels or trowels
- Watering cans
- Mulch or compost
- Plant markers
- Camera
Preparation
- 1Choose appropriate location for planting
- 2Prepare planting holes in advance if needed
- 3Select plants suitable for children to handle
- 4Arrange for ongoing care of plants
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Explain why trees are important: 'Trees give us clean air and homes for animals'
- 2Show children how to gently handle plants
- 3Small groups take turns helping to plant
- 4Each child helps water the newly planted trees
- 5Create plant markers with children's names or drawings
- 6Assign ongoing watering duties to different children
Assessment
- Does the child handle plants gently and carefully?
- Can the child explain why planting trees helps the environment?
- Does the child show enthusiasm for caring for plants?
Extensions
- Keep a growth diary with measurements and drawings
- Research how long it takes trees to grow
- Calculate how many trees the class has planted
- Plan a tree care schedule
Teaching Tips
- Choose plants likely to survive and thrive
- Make each child feel their contribution is important
- Connect to long-term environmental benefits
- Take photos to document their environmental action