Small World Play: 4 Season Trees

This activity was generated by our youngest.  After making a popsicle stick house, he wanted a tree to go with it, spurring the idea that he could have trees that would change with the seasons!

Materials

• Various sizes of popsicle sticks (We used tongue depressors for the trunks)
• Hook & loop fastener (Velcro) self-adhesive dots (You can buy these at dollar stores, craft stores, hardware stores etc.)
• Glue (We used a glue gun, but craft glue could work too)
• Brown paint
• Paintbrush
• Buttons (Often you can find large mixed bags of buttons which would be great for this or use some from your existing collection)

Small World

• Play dough (For the trees to stand.  We like the recipe below and add a bit of coco powder or cinnamon to it to make it brown.  Or simply buy some!)
• Figurines
• Items that might help set the scene (Rocks, gems, felt, etc.)

Our Favourite Play Dough Recipe

*This recipe should be made by an adult*

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 salt
• 3 tbsp cream of tarter
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Food colouring

Directions:

• Combine all of the dry ingredients in a medium pan.
• Add water and oil.
• Cook on medium heat, adding the food colouring and spice.
• Stir continuously.
• When the dough mix pulls away from the sides and forms into a large ball, the dough is ready to be placed in a small bowl to cool.
• Store in a plastic container or re-sealable bag.

Source: Japer Place Child and Family Resource Centre

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Create and glue your tree shapes with your popsicle sticks.  We used a tongue depressor (wide craft stick) for the trunk and then formed the branches, using smaller craft sticks.  Allow to dry.

• Paint your trees and allow them to dry.

• Attach the rough side of your Velcro dots to the tree branches where you think leaves would grow.

• Attach the fuzzy side of your Velcro dots to the backs of your buttons.  We tried to pick colours that were typical with the seasons in Canada.

• We put three of the seasons’ buttons into storage containers and then added the button leaves to the trees from the fourth season.  We then played with those, creating a scene with loose parts and figurines.  Use materials that you might have on hand, like construction paper, rocks or fabric scraps to flesh out the setting.

• Switch the seasons by changing the leaves.

Purpose

• Developing one’s fine motor skills.
• Recognizing colours that are typically associated with the various seasons.
• Small worlds are great for imaginative and role play, communication, developing imagination etc.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use a glue gun with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Buttons can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.