Read it next to The Giving Tree.
Kids have been arguing about Shel Silverstein’s tree for sixty years. This unit gives them a second tree to argue with, and a question worth answering: which one would you rather be?
Three days, about 25 minutes each.
Built for grades K to 3. Lines up with RL.K.9 through RL.2.9 (compare and contrast characters and two versions of a story) and the speaking and listening standards for collaborative conversation.
- Day 1
Read The Giving Tree.
Read it straight through. Then ask: was the tree happy at the end? Was the boy? Chart what the boy took and what the tree gave.
- Day 2
Read The Giving Back Tree.
Same chart, new headings: what the boy gave, and what the tree gave back. Ask why this tree asked for help instead of just giving.
- Day 3
Talk it out.
Hang both charts side by side. Students fill in the Two Trees page, pick a tree, and sign the Giving Back Pledge.
Nine pages, ready to print.
- The lesson planMaterials, standards and step by step for all three days.
- Two Trees comparison chartOne per student. Draw or write.
- Discussion questionsFive of them, straight from the book.
- Plant-a-seed steps and care chartThree weeks of watering and checking.
- Twelve ways to give backA checklist kids take home.
- The Giving Back PledgeEvery kid signs their own.
A copy for every kid.
The pledge works best when each child signs their own book and takes it home. If your school wants a class set, or a local business wants to cover one, I’ll get you pricing.
