Little Tree by Loren Long

​This touching book starts off with a group of young trees enjoying the creatures and world around them. Autumn arrives and all the trees let go of their leaves, except for one. It doesn't want to let go. Seasons pass and the other trees grow bigger and bigger but the little tree holds her leaves tight. 

You could use this book to explore the seasons or forest life or tree growth. The most striking topic though is the fear of change, which is dealt with so beautifully. It will make most parents weepy thinking about the day you have to let go of your little one. A sweet and highly recommended book.
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​⚈​ 1 Play ideas    ⚈​ 2 Classroom Activities  
​Get your hands on this book here:
Seasonal recognition - Age 2+
This book provides a great way to explore the seasons. There is just enough detail in each picture for a toddler or preschooler to identify changes within. You could have a simple discussion about what is different on each page. Parents can ask the child to help them describe what they see, as they draw a picture of the season. This will encourage kids to look for small details and practise using less familiar vocabulary. If you have any seasonal toys, like the Janod stacking boxes shown in the picture, try having children match the pictures to the pages. 

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram -  HERE
Subtraction activity - 4+
​If you pick this book up during the autumn, then take advantage of the beautiful leaves outside. Since the trees all lose leaves in the story (and real life!), it lends itself nicely to a subtraction task.  Draw a bare tree on a large piece of paper and scatter leaves at the top. Count them together and record the total (if your child enjoys writing). Ask them to make a few leaves 'fall down' to the bottom of the tree. Count the leaves that are left. You can write a number sentence to go with it (14-2=12) or just keep the activity oral. 

​Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram - HERE 
Leaf Ghosts - Age 1+
Make even better use of your beautiful autumn leaves by turning them into decorations for Halloween. This super easy craft is fun for any age. You can either paint the leaves the usual way with a paint brush, or try dipping them in a tray full of paint. Using a tray means the leaves get a good thick coat of paint the first time (but need a good amount of time to dry). 

Once they are dry, hand the kids a marker and let them design! Ghost faces are wonderfully easy for toddlers to draw. A few dots and there you go.  If they survive long enough (they can be quite brittle), why not try stringing them up as decoration, as our inspiration did at the Mother Natured Blog (HERE).

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram ​-HERE
Leaf sorting - Age 2+

Sorting or classifying is a skill taught in school and linked to both math and science. It is very easy to incorporate into play and most parents probably teach it without even realizing it ("You're right! They're both blue!" or "You picked two that are circles!"). 

If you have a leaf collection, encourage little ones to find similar leafs. Repeat descriptive vocabulary like 'bumpy edges' or 'pointy tops'. Older kids may find it easy, so ask them to explain why they sorted them a certain way. Encourage them to describe the size, shape and colour of the leaf as they go. 

Read about when we originally shared it on Instagram ​-HERE
  • Challenge pupils to write about a time they were afraid of change
  • Rewrite the story with another element of nature refusing to change through the seasons (ie. an animal who usually hibernates or water that normally freezes)
  • Link to a unit on photosynthesis
  • Investigate the difference between deciduous and coniferous trees
Click below for other books and activities about Autumn (and Halloween):