Faith CoLab: Tapestry of Faith: Circle of Trees: A Multigenerational Program about Nourishing Deep Connections with Nature

Activity 4: Story - The Tree in the Ancient Forest

Part of Circle of Trees

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story so you will be comfortable presenting it.
  • Review the discussion questions in the activity and add some of your own if desired.
  • Optional: Obtain and display the book The Tree in the Ancient Forest by Carol Reed-Jones. Or, obtain and display pictures of a Douglas fir or other &quotcharacters&quot from the book; an excellent source is the book Ancient Trees: Trees That Live for 1,000 Years by Anna Lewington and Edward Parker.

Description of Activity

Read aloud the story "The Tree in the Ancient Forest." Invite participants to join in on the refrain as it develops. If time allows, you may wish to read the story a second time with group participation.

Engage a discussion with questions such as these:

  • What is a tree?
  • How did the story make you feel?
  • What are some of the plants or animals that live around your house?
  • Where do they fit in the cycle of life?
  • What are some of the world's ancient trees? [Answer: Baobab, redwood, olive, cedar]

Make sure that all voices have an opportunity to be heard.