When my first daughter was born, we planted a tree in our backyard in her honor. We love watching her tree as it inches up every year. It’s still taller than her but we measure her against the tree’s height.

That tree gave us joy and it taught my daughter the seasons. We watched the leaves grow from buds, give us shade, turn yellow, and fall off. AJ knew what to expect

So this year, let a tree teach your kids about the seasons. Adopt a tree. Then watch it for a year. I can’t think of a better way to learn about the seasons.

Here’s what you can do.

1. Find a Tree
Go for a walk to find a tree that you want to adopt. Any kind of tree but a deciduous tree gives you the most to observe.

2. Observe
Talk about the bark, the leaves, the branches, the smell, the colors, . . .

3. Draw and Collect
Draw a picture of the tree with colored pencils or crayons. Older kids, label the parts of the tree: trunk, roots, branches, and leaves.

Make a bark rubbing for your tree observation sheets. Use the side of a crayon for the best results.

Collect leaves or twigs to paste into the book.

4. Write
Older kids, write using your 5 senses: what you see, feel with your hands, smell, and hear.

Do #2 through 4 every month or every season. Talk about the changing of seasons and what makes each season special.

5. Make a Book

Bind your tree drawings and writing. Punch two or three holes on the side to tie with yarn. Or staple along the side.

What tree will you pick I wonder?