CHAPTER XII 



SUGGESTIONS FOR TREE STUDY 



THE purpose of tree study in the grades, besides the 

 educational value that comes with the study of any living 

 object, is to lead the children to form the acquaintance of 

 the trees in the neighborhood, to learn how to protect and 

 care for them, and to appreciate the value of trees in the 

 industrial world and in their own lives. 



For the beginning of the work select any tree that is 

 near the school building. If practicable, for the first 

 lesson take the children out to observe this tree. If not, 

 then ask the children how many know the name of the 

 tree standing at the corner of the yard? If they do not 

 know, tell them. Ask them to look at it closely, and tell 

 you to-morrow whether the trunk is smooth or rough, 

 whether it has many large branches, and whether the trunk 

 and branches are the same color. Do the branches spread 

 out or grow straight upward ? Does the tree make a good 

 shade ? What is the shape of the tree ? Stand off at some 

 distance and look at it. Is it round ? Is it wide at the bottom 

 and pointed at the top like a pyramid? Is it in the form of 

 a wide column, or is it shaped like an umbrella ? 



The next day take a few minutes to discuss the observa- 

 tions of the children. Have a few twigs of the tree in the 

 schoolroom. Note how the leaves are arranged on the 

 twigs. Are they opposite or alternate. What is the shape 



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