This book on Trees and Forests is a compilation of work, most of which is tried and tested over many years in the classroom. This book is suitable for Grade 3 or the beginning of Grade 4, depending on the level of literacy of learners.
There are literacy exercises based on the theme of “Trees and Forests”. The reading exercises can be undertaken for supervised reading, where
a) the teacher/parent reads the text to the children.
b) the teacher/parent reads the text again with the children following with their fingers;
c) the children read it together quietly, with the teacher, trying to model her reading;
d) in pairs or groups;
e) individually
There are exercises in reading for meaning, finding significant words, language and comprehension. In the comprehension exercises I have included activities to develop the learners critical skills, namely literal questions; re-organisation exercises; tasks which develop inferential skills, evaluation and appreciation ability. There are poems, creative writing exercises, word searches, additional fun tasks, extension tasks and ideas for the faster worker.
These are the skills set out in the CAPS document.
Some of these exercises are suitable for working in pairs and I have found the children really enjoy working with a partner on the more difficult vocabulary and word skills exercises.
It is suggested that this book be used together with a book of their own in which the learners can do the additional fun tasks, creative writing exercises and extension work, which will often be presented at the end of a page.
The following topics have been covered in this book:-
The importance of trees and forests as a habitat to animals, birds and insects.
The many uses of trees
Photosynthesis and the tree’s ability to absorb carbon-dioxide and produce oxygen.
The structure of a leaf
Forests and the different creatures in the forest levels.
Food chains.
Roots and their function.
Life on a log.
I hope that this book will stimulate the learners’ interest in trees and forests and the animals which inhabit them.
I hope, too, that the children enjoy working through it as much as I have enjoyed compiling
