The Giving Tree Lesson Ideas
If you have never read the story The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, you are missing out on a beautiful story of generosity and selflessness. When I was teaching in the classroom we would use this story at the beginning of the school year to talk about what it means to give up our own needs for the sake of another. This is an important concept to introduce in the early years and the more opportunities we can give our children to practice selfishness the easier it is to for it to come naturally later. The Giving Tree Lesson Ideas shared here will help you get started at home or in the classroom.
What is The Giving Tree About?
The Giving Tree is a children’s book that explores the relationship between a boy and a tree. The story takes place over the lifetime of the boy as he grows into a man. The tree gives the boy everything he wants in an effort to make him happy. Throughout the story we see the tree give more and more of itself, while the boy seems more and more distant and not thankful for the sacrifices of the tree is making. In the end the only thing left that the tree has to offer the boy is a stump to sit on.
How can I use the Giving Tree in the Classroom or at Home?
This story offers a lot of opportunities for discussion on thankfulness, selfishness and selflessness. Begin by reading “The Giving Tree” aloud to the class. Pause at key moments to ask questions and encourage discussion. Ask students to share their thoughts and feelings about the tree and the boy.
- What does the tree give to the boy throughout the story?
- How does the boy’s attitude towards the tree change over time?
- How does the tree feel about giving?
Encourage students to think of people in their own lives who have given of their time, money or other resources. Have them reflect on whether or not they acted gratefully.
Activities for the Giving Tree
As a class or family create blessing bags to hand out to the homeless. Discuss what kinds of items might be needed or appreciated and collect those for the bags. Include notes of encouragement or prayers.
Make a thankfulness tree. Using a paper bag, cut and twist the branches into a tree and have each student include something they are thankful for on each leaf.
Create a kindness chart. Students can brainstorm together activities that show kindness and every time they do something kind for someone they can give themselves a sticker.
Other Children’s Books on Giving and Selflessness
- “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts: This touching story explores the value of empathy and selflessness as a young boy learns the importance of giving to others.
- “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” by Jeff Brumbeau: A beautifully illustrated tale that conveys the joy of giving and the true meaning of happiness.
- “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister: This classic story teaches children about the joy of sharing and the beauty of making others happy.
- “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson: A heartwarming story that shows how one small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of goodness.
- “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña: This award-winning book follows a boy and his grandmother on a bus ride, highlighting the beauty of appreciating what we have and giving to others.
Those Shoes
The Quiltmaker’s GiftThe Rainbow FishOrdinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed, paperbackLast Stop on Market Street
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Angela is the Homeschool Encourager for the Overwhelmed & Under-Caffeinated and the Chaos-to-Confidence Specialist behind Schooling with Grace. With a no-fluff approach, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of heart, she helps homeschool moms cut through the chaos, ditch unrealistic expectations, and teach with confidence.