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

Activity 5: Song - Standing Like a Tree

Part of Circle of Trees

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint and makers
  • Leader Resource 2, Standing Like a Tree
  • Optional: Computer with Internet access

Preparation for Activity

  • Watch a YouTube video of a kindergarten class singing "Standing Like a Tree" to familiarize yourself with the song.
  • Write the lyrics and motions from Leader Resource 2 on newsprint, and post.
  • Optional: Invite a song leader from your congregation to teach the song to the group.

Description of Activity

Invite the group to stand in a circle. Say, in these words or your own:

There are lots of songs about trees. One well known song is "Standing Like a Tree," which I'm going to teach to you by call and response: I will sing one line and then you repeat the line.

Once participants are comfortable with the words, introduce the motions that accompany each line in the same way: First the leader says or sings a line, and then the participants respond.

Optional: Show the YouTube video of a kindergarten class singing this song.

Including All Participants

If some participants cannot stand, include chairs in the circle.