I Know That Tree!

This project requires more trees that we have in our yard (and I’m certain Maya could recognize her nectarine tree immediately!), so a trip to the park or a small patch of woods is in order. The instructions can be adapted according to the ages of the participants and all ages can enjoy this activity, although it’s a bit more suited to slightly older children and adults.

With a partner, go to an area with at least a half dozen trees (more is better, a forest is best!)
Tie a bandana loosely around one partner’s eyes as a blindfold. If your child is reluctant to be blindfolded, ask them to close their eyes while you hold one hand in front of them to prevent peeking.
Choose a tree and carefully lead your blindfolded friend in a roundabout route to that tree.
Without using her eyes, have your friend begin to explore the tree and discover what makes this tree unique.
You can help by asking questions. “Is this tree’s bark smooth or rough?” “Can you put your arms all the way around it?” “Are there any holes or bumps on this tree?” “Can you reach any leaves? What shape are they?” “How does this tree smell?” “What about under this tree? What is there? Can you feel roots, moss, needles, rocks?”
Let your partner take as long as she wants to get to know this tree, then carefully lead her back to your starting point (be sure to use an indirect route).
Remove the blindfold or take your hand away and ask her to try and find the tree with her eyes open.

Suddenly, what at first seemed to be group of trees, now becomes a collection of very individual trees.
One of them has become a tree that your friend has met and knows very well!

I discovered this learning activity many years ago in the book by Joseph Cornell – ‘Sharing Nature with Children’.
In the introduction to his book, Mr. Cornell wrote “At one time or another in our lives nature touches…all of us in some personal, special way. Her immense mystery opens to us a little of its stunning purity, reminding us of a Life that is greater than the little affairs of man.”
“I have never underestimated the value of such moments of touching and entering into nature. I have seen through my own experience, and that of many others, that we can nourish that deeper awareness until it becomes a true and vital understanding of our place in the world.”