Book Review: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

"Reading to your child helps them become ready to start and stay in school. The fun doesn't have to stop when the reading is done! There are many skills that come can be initiated from reading a book. To build upon these skills, use activities to reinforce the learning."

Book Review: "It has been said that the true example of love is being willing to give of one’s self for the benefit of another. Shel Silverstein tells the story of love between a boy and a tree that is an example of this sacrificial love. From the time the boy is young and needs shade as he plays to growing up and being allowed to climb in her branches to the time when he is older and wants something that may mean the end of the tree, the tree keeps on giving to him- out of love. Though there are many ways to interpret this story, the true message of love shines through. Even when the boy is an old man and long after the tree has been cut down, what is left of the tree is still giving. The old man, once the little boy who played under the tree, now uses the stump of the tree to rest on."

Activity: From the book message, children learn that planting seeds is giving to others. After reading this with your child talk about why the tree would want to give itself away. Discuss how it feels to give something and the feeling of receiving gifts. Supply a bag of apples and cut one apple in half horizontally. Have your child gather seeds from the apple. 

Make a treat using the apple as the main ingredient. Ask what trees give to the world and how planting each apple seed gives back to nature. Plant a tree or small plant, even though it is a slow process. 

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