Why Do We Take Care of Trees?: Prek Learning With Ms. Liz
We will read stories like "The Busy Tree", learn the parts of a tree, how trees grow and how trees help us, who lives in trees, engage in tree themed letter, number and sound recognition games and play an apple tree simple math game too!
Ms. Liz
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(401)
What's included
1 live meeting
35 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade Preschool - Kindergarten
Beginner Level
In this one-time class, we will read stories like "The Busy Tree", by Jennifer Ward and "This Tree Counts", by Alison Ashley Formento and learn the names of the parts of a tree, how trees grow and how trees help us, what kinds of things we make from trees and who lives in trees! Little learners can build great listening, observation and creative thinking skills during storytime, asking questions and using their imagination. In fact, did you know that reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits? For example, brain scans show that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning. One 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years. While we read our stories, we will make observations about the trees we read about. We will learn new vocabulary words and engage in tree themed letter, number and sound recognition games and play an apple tree simple math game in class using the provided printable for enrolled learners! Lots of opportunities for discussion and sharing, which is encouraged but not required to be a part of this class!
Learning Goals
Students will listen to stories and ask and answer questions throughout the readings, practice taking turns talking, listening and sharing observations about trees. We will also work on our fine motor, direction following and number skills when we play our apple tree counting and simple math game using the provided printable for enrolled learners.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Because of the age of the class I recommend a grown up be within "ear-shot" to help with any technical hiccups (mic and video) that might come up.
Please print out the apple tree math printable and cut out the individual apples before class begins.
* It's not mandatory that your learner participate in the activity. If they prefer to observe and complete the project after class, that's OK too!
Supply List
Please print out the apple tree math printable and cut out the individual apples before class begins so we can practice counting and simple math activities togther! (Cut out at least 10-20 of the apple pictures.) No Printer? No problem. Use the included printable as a guide to draw your own apple tree outline and draw circles for apples to cut out.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Wisconsin- Madison
Hello Outschool Families!
My name is Liz Stone, better known as Ms. Liz, to my 3, 4 and 5 year old friends. Did you know that reading aloud to kids has clear cognitive benefits? For example, brain scans show that hearing stories strengthens the part of the brain associated with visual imagery, story comprehension, and word meaning.
Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.
While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives altogether. And this adds up.
One 2019 study from the National Library of Medicine estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.
Another study found that kindergarten children who were read to at least three times a week had a “significantly greater phonemic awareness than did children who were read to less often.”
I created The Pebble Academy, an online learning and play experience for 3-5 year olds, after I fell in love with teaching and learning with Pre-K kiddos as I watched my own kids grow-up. I'm the mom of three and an early childhood educator who wants to help make reading togther and creative learning for 3-5 year olds more accessible! I've observed the confidence my students gain when I encourage them to participate in an online learning and play experience that is welcoming, comfortable and tailored to them.
In my 30-40 minute interactive classes, I will introduce your children to new ideas with activities like picture book reading, songs, show and share and themed activity pages and projects we work on together. Most of my classes include in class activities or ideas for post class at home activities and all my classes incorporate ideas that promote pre-reading skills, early math strategies, nature, community, family, arts and crafts, music and physical activity.
Over the past 12 years, I have worked as a teacher and Site Coordinator for Northwestern University’s Weekend Enrichment Program, I’ve taught in my community's Early Childhood Program, I’ve been a lead teacher for 3 year olds at a local early childhood center and I created The Pebble Academy!
Incorporating fun into reading and learning is what it's all about! For me, nothing compares to sharing an “Aha!” moment with a student. I hope we have the chance to learn together soon and I look forward to meeting you in one of my classes!
**If my posted class schedules don't work for you, I'm happy to try and schedule a class that is more convenient for your learner!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
35 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 3-5
1-5 learners per class
