Trees are an important part of our world. Use this week to plan for a tree planting with your class. Make sure each child has a job they can do so they will feel a part of the big event.If you are not able to plant a real tree, you can create one in your classroom. Talk to the children about trees. Trees help keep our air clean, they give us shade on sunny days, and they are homes to critters such as birds and squirrels. Now ask the children why they think trees are important.  Most will give you the answers above. A few may be more creative! Whatever their answers, record each idea on a green square of construction paper. Have the children cut around the words to make leaves. Use the leaves to create a tree on the wall in your classroom. Check this free lesson plan for more ideas on how to incorporate planting a tree with your children.