Learning resources
A Forest in the City is a tool for children, parents and educators. Consider using it to talk about urban and environmental issues, making art, writing poetry, and maybe even a thank-you note to your favourite trees!
Did you know?
- Every day a mature tree creates enough oxygen for four people to breathe.
- Tree leaves capture and trap dirt and chemicals, improving people’s health and reducing pollution.
- Trees make our city cooler by adding moisture to the air and creating shade.
- The average city street tree lives only seven years.
- A mature tree needs three dumptrucks full of good fertile soil to grow big and strong.
- Trees help cities save money by fighting climate change, cutting down on energy use and improving people’s physical and mental health.
- Trees improve road safety because streets appear more narrow and drivers slow down.
- Having a view of trees reduces depression and stress and makes people happy!
#notetoatree
I’m collaborating with Groundwood Books and climate-change–fighting organization Grand Trees on a campaign to get people talking, writing and sharing their love of city trees. Post on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #notetoatree to see what others are saying about the urban forest.
You can also watch and share this #notetoatree craft tutorial I made to help get the conversation started. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for more!
Free downloads
Click the images above to download these free printable resources.
Watch
I’ve got craft tutorials, readings and more to share at home or school.
Read
Keep the learning going with these great fiction and nonfiction books about trees.
For the classroom
Discussion questions and tons of ideas for talking about trees and the urban forest in schools!
Curriculum connections
A Forest in the City has many strong curriculum connections. Common Core connections are available on the teacher resource download.
Science & Technology
- Grade 1, Understanding life systems (needs and characteristics of living things), Understanding Earth & Space systems (daily and seasonal changes)
- Grade 2 Understanding Earth & Space systems (air and water in the environment)
- Grade 3 Understanding life systems (growth and changes in plants), Understanding Earth & Space systems (soils in the environment)
- Grade 4 Understanding life systems (habitats and communities)
- Grade 5 Understanding Earth & Space systems (conservation of energy and resources)
- Grade 6 Understanding life systems (biodiversity)
- Grade 7 Understanding life systems (interactions in the environment)
Social studies
People & environments
- Grade 1: the local community
- Grade 7: physical patterns in a changing world, Natural resources around the world: use and sustainability
Heritage & identity
- Grade 3: communities in Canada 1780-1850
- Grade 4: early societies
- Grade 5: interactions of indigenous people and Europeans
- Grade 6: Communities in Canada, past and present
