Title: The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
About the Author: Not only was Shel Silverstein one of the funniest children’s book authors, he was also one of the most subversive. Through his irresistible rhymes, poems, and drawings, Silverstein made children feel like they were being spoken to as adults; and adults the chance to remember what it felt like to be a child.
Age Level: 6-8
Synopsis: This story is about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants. As the young boy becomes older, things change and the boy grows into manhood. The tree selflessly lets the boy cut her down so that he can build a boat in which he can sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump and doesn’t return until many years later. The tree then tells the boy she has nothing left to give him, and the boy tells her he does not need much now that he is an old man. The tree told the boy to sit and rest, and the tree was very happy.
Pre-Reading Activities: The important of giving. How do you feel when you give? Why is it important to give? Can someone share with the class all the things the tree gives to the boy? Discuss with the class why it is important to give. Discuss the outcome of giving.
Post-Reading Activities: What did the tree give to the boy? What did the tree get out of giving to the boy? What occurred in the beginning, middle, and end? After the story, the students will be given a handout and write about an experience they had with giving. The handouts will be hung up in the hall for everyone to see.
My Reflection: This is another one of my favorite books! It teaches about selflessness and selfishness. This book tells us about the importance of giving and how good we can feel by giving to others. It also can show what feelings we have when someone does something nice for us. However, it mostly shows that we should give even if we won’t receive anything from it, except for self-reward.
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I had to comment on this book because it is pretty much my absolute favorite book. There is so much to do with this book and theme of giving, and I think it is a versatile book that itself could be a wonderful gift to anyone at any age level. I like the post-activity idea with displaying how children reflecting on their experience with giving and having the class see the multiple ways to give. It can also help children who may not necessarily come from warm surroundings, and for children who struggle to learn or feel emotions. GREAT BOOK! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite books also! I like your thoughts about the book touching students that come from troubled back grounds or children who have difficulty with their emotions. Thanks for your ideas!
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