Introducing preschoolers to the wonder of trees is about planting seeds of curiosity, respect for the environment, and a deep-seated love for the natural world around them.
Our carefully curated round up of tree-related activities and crafts is perfect for young kids and preschoolers. This roundup is a celebration of trees, through hands-on, sensory-rich, and engaging experiences.
Let’s branch out into the world of tree-related learning and fun!
1. Bubble Wrap Autumn Tree
This activity involves creating an “Autumn Tree” using bubble wrap as a textured element for the tree’s foliage. Students paint the bubble wrap, press it onto a tree template, and peel it off to reveal a textured autumn tree.
Learn more: Messy Little Monsters
2. Tissue Paper Trees
This activity centers on crafting “Tissue Paper Trees,” where students create vibrant tree designs using colored tissue paper. Teachers should introduce this project to foster creativity, fine motor skills, and an understanding of seasonal changes.
Learn more: Housing a Forest
3. Plant the Trees Sensory Bin for Earth Day
This activity involves creating a “Plant the Trees Sensory Bin” for Earth Day, where students engage in a sensory experience by planting tree-shaped objects in a bin filled with materials like rice or sand.
Learn more: Happy Toddler Play Time
4. Parts of a Tree
The “Parts of a Tree” activity involves teaching students about the different components of a tree, such as roots, trunk, branches, leaves, and fruits or flowers.
Learn more: Trillium Montessori
5. Letter Matching Apple Tree Activity
The “Letter Matching Apple Tree” activity involves a hands-on exercise where students match letters to corresponding spots on an apple tree cutout. Teachers should introduce this activity to reinforce letter recognition and early literacy skills.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
6. Kandinsky Tree
Students roll and shape colored paper strips into circles, arranging them to form a tree with a Kandinsky-style aesthetic.
Learn more: Messy Little Monster
7. Outdoor Tree Bark Rubbings
This hands-on adventure invites young learners to explore the textures of nature while creating beautiful, textured art.
Learn more: I Can Teach my Child
8. Tree Nature Study
The Tree Nature Study not only nurtures a love for the outdoors but also sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity. Join us in this immersive experience, where young minds become budding naturalists, discovering the magic within the branches of our magnificent trees!
Learn more: Teach Beside Me
9. Kandinsky Tree Salt Painting Autumn Tree Art
Children will use a mixture of watercolors, salt, and their imagination to craft stunning autumn trees on paper. Encourage them to experiment with colors and observe the magical effects as the salt interacts with the paint.
Learn more: Messy Little Monsters
10. Gustav Klimt Tree of Life Craft for Kids
Using vibrant colors, gold accents, and their artistic flair, children will craft their own rendition of the Tree of Life on paper. Encourage them to experiment with textures and shapes, mirroring Klimt’s unique style.
Learn more: Messy Little Monsters
11. Life Cycle of a Tree Lesson
Through engaging visuals and interactive discussions, children will discover the magic of growth, seasons, and the vital role trees play in our environment.
Learn more: Carrots are Orange
12. Free Standing Tree with Leaves
This activity, Free Standing Tree with Leaves, involves crafting a three-dimensional tree using simple materials like paper, cardboard, and glue. Students can express their creativity by adding leaves and colors to the tree.
Learn more: The Preschool Toolbox Blog
13. Color Matching Trees
Children will match colorful objects, leaves, or cutouts to corresponding branches on their tree, developing color recognition skills in a fun and educational way.
Learn more: First School
14. Johnny Appleseed
The “Johnny Appleseed Tree” activity centers around creating a tree-themed project inspired by the legendary figure Johnny Appleseed. Students may engage in crafting or drawing a tree, emphasizing the apple tree concept associated with Johnny Appleseed’s legacy.
Learn more: First School
15. Apple Stem Activity for Preschoolers
This Activity involves repurposing toilet paper rolls to create a trail or maze for preschoolers to thread apple stems through. Teachers should introduce this activity to enhance fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity in a playful manner.
Learn more: The Educators Spin on it
16. Measuring the Size of Sticks
The “Measuring the Size of Sticks” activity involves students using measuring tools to determine the length of various sticks.
This activity provides a practical and interactive way for students to grasp basic measurement principles while exploring elements from the natural environment.
Learn more: Creative Star Learning
17. Apple Tree Counting Activity
This activity involves attaching paper clips to apple images on a tree cutout to represent counting.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
18. Fall Tree Number Matching
By pairing numbers with corresponding fall-themed images, it creates an interactive and educational experience.
Learn more: Fun Learning for Kids
19. Branch Painting
The “Branch Painting” activity involves students painting branches using various colors and techniques. The focus on branches as a subject matter allows for discussions about nature and seasons, making the activity both visually appealing and educational.
Learn more: Art Blog
20. Apple Tree Gross Motor Game
This activity involves a physical activity where students engage in gross motor movements by placing apples into corresponding holes on a board shaped like an apple tree.
Learn more: Inspiration Laboratories
21. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Craft
Use brightly colored paper for the leaves and vibrant alphabet letters to represent the climbing coconuts. This craft not only enhances fine motor skills through cutting and pasting but also reinforces letter recognition and sequencing.
Learn more: I Heart Crafty Things
22. Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft
Engage your preschoolers in a whimsical celebration of fall with our Fingerprint Fall Tree Craft! This delightful activity combines creativity with the beauty of autumn, allowing children to express themselves through art.
Learn more: Toddler at Play
23. Use Tree as an Easel
Transform your outdoor environment into a canvas of creativity by using a tree as an easel for a unique art experience! This nature-inspired activity allows preschoolers to explore the beauty of the outdoors while expressing themselves through art.
Learn more: Teach Preschoo
24. Fruit Loops Tree
Provide preschoolers with a tree template or draw a simple tree outline on paper. Then, encourage them to decorate the tree using Fruit Loops as “leaves.” This activity not only enhances fine motor skills as children pick up and place the cereal, but it also introduces concepts like color recognition and patterning.
Learn more: Kellog’s Fruit Loops
25. Leaf Cutting Activity
This activity involves a leaf cutting experiment where students explore plant propagation through cuttings. By observing and practicing the process of propagating new plants from leaf cuttings, students gain valuable insights into plant biology and horticulture.
Learn more: Hands on as we Grow
26. Chlorophyll Paintings
Begin by explaining the role of chlorophyll in giving plants their green color and helping them produce energy from sunlight. Provide children with white paper, watercolor paints, and brushes.
Learn more: Around the Kampfire
27. Decor Made out of Tree
The Handprint Autumn Tree Craft is a charming way to celebrate the season and create memorable keepsakes that showcase both the beauty of fall and the uniqueness of each child’s creativity.
28. Handprint Autumn Tree Craft
This craft not only enhances fine motor skills but also introduces the concept of seasonal changes and the beauty of autumn foliage. Extend the learning by discussing the characteristics of fall and the different colors leaves can turn.
Learn more: Messy Little Monster
29. Cardboard Apple Tree Craft
Bring the orchard into your preschool classroom with the charming Cardboard Apple Tree Craft! Begin by cutting out a tree shape from cardboard, representing the trunk and branches.
Learn more: The Craft Train
30. Handprint Fall Tree Craft
The Handprint Fall Tree Craft involves creating a seasonal tree using handprints as leaves, covering the entire tree’s canopy with individually designed handprints.
By incorporating unique designs on each handprint leaf, students can showcase their creativity while learning about the vibrant colors associated with fall.
Learn more: Non-Toy Gifts
31. Design Your Own Tree
They can glue the leaves onto the branches, creating a vibrant and textured canopy. This activity not only fosters creativity but also introduces the concept of leaf diversity and the beauty of nature. Discuss the different types of leaves, their colors, and the changing seasons as the children work on their tree designs.
Learn more: Craft on Sea
32. Paper Roll Printed Fall Handprint Tree
The Paper Roll Printed Fall Handprint Tree is a wonderful way for preschoolers to express their creativity while embracing the beauty of autumn. Display their collaborative masterpiece proudly, bringing the warmth and color of the season into your classroom!
Learn more: Art Crafty Kids
33. Fall Colored Cereal Tree
The Fall Colored Cereal Tree activity entails crafting a tree using fall-colored cereal as leaves. Students affix the cereal onto a tree template, creating a visually appealing representation of autumn foliage.
Learn more: 123 Homeschool 4me
34. Easy Tree Snack for Kids
The Easy Tree Snack is a quick, healthy, and interactive way for kids to enjoy a delicious treat while having fun with their food. Encourage students to get creative and personalize their edible trees!
Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning
35. Tissue Paper Fall Tree Handprint Craft
Engage preschoolers in a delightful and tactile autumn activity with the Tissue Paper Fall Tree Handprint Craft! Begin by having each child trace and cut out their handprint on a piece of brown construction paper, creating the tree trunk and branches.
Learn more: Fun Hand Print Art Blog
36. Splatter Painting for Kids
Recommend the kids to play around with various colors and methods to make vibrant, one-of-a-kind spatter paintings. Exhibit their vibrant works of art with pride, demonstrating the uniqueness and vigor encapsulated in every splatter painting!
Learn more: Project with Kids
37. Pine Tree Art for Kids
Extend the learning by discussing the characteristics of pine trees, their importance in nature, and their evergreen nature. Display the Pine Tree Art proudly to showcase the unique interpretations of nature by each child in your class!
Learn more: Fun a Day
38. Cotton Ball Autumn Tree Craft
Create a soft and tactile autumn masterpiece with the Cotton Ball Autumn Tree Craft! Provide each child with a tree outline on a large piece of paper or canvas. Next, offer cotton balls and a palette of autumn colors like red, orange, and yellow paints.
Learn more: Toddler at Play
39. Leaf Identification
Leaf identification is a wonderful educational activity that connects children with nature while fostering observational skills. To engage preschoolers in leaf identification, start by collecting a variety of leaves from different trees. Provide each child with a simple guide or poster displaying common types of leaves and their corresponding trees.
Learn more: Wild Flower Ramblings
40. Make a 3D Family Tree
Creating a 3D Family Tree is a meaningful and engaging project for preschoolers that encourages creativity and family connection.
Learn more: Life with More Babies