Thank you for your interest in the Treeture® program. The program has an activity guide, coloring book, posters, web site, tree planting programs and the opportunity to have a Treeture character visit your school or event. This program is offered to schools and approved events, courtesy of American Forests, USDA Forest Service, the National Tree Trust, International Society of Arboriculture, TreesAmerica and Judith H. Blau, Inc.* Call 1-800-863-7175 if you are interested in the Treeture program.
Treetures were created by Judith H. Blau, an author and children's product designer. Working collaboratively, Judith H. Blau, Inc., The National Tree Trust, American Forests, the International Society of Arboriculture and the USDA forest Service participated in the development of a quality, hands-on educational program for elementary schools.
The Treeture characters are whimsical creatures who guide children through discovery activities that are developmentally appropriate and scientifically accurate. The Treeture Activity Guide contains activities that are correlated with Benchmarks For Science Literacy, the national recommended standards for math, science and technology, suggested by The American Association For The Advancement of Science.
Each character personifies a scientific concept. For example; Rootie and Roothie teach children about water and mineral absorption; Autumn, a Leaf Turner, helps leaves turn colors in the fall. Treetures are mnemonic devices. When a junior high school student learns about photo
synthesis, she will remember the Treetures, Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllis. Capillary action will bring to mind Phloemina and her Xylemphone. Treeture activities use fantasy to introduce science.
The goal of the program is to offer material that is simple, concise and accurate. Interest in the natural world is piqued as students are introduced to forest friends. Children learn the social, economic and environmental value of trees while participating in activities that are motivating and enriching. Each child learns what his/her role is and how personal actions and decisions influence the environment.
Why use the Treetures in your classrooms? Treetures speak to children on their level. They are exciting and lovable; children become enamored with Treetures and listen intently to the information they impart. The Treeture program offers activities that cover concepts such as capillary action, transpiration and photosynthesis. It also includes activities that reinforce skills such as spatial relations, measurement, sequence and decision making. Supplementing your curriculum with Treeture activities will add the "little extra" needed to make your lessons and classroom special. Each activity includes background information for the teacher as well as procedures and resources.
Science is a process, the process of becoming aware of oneself, others and the environment. Children learn through their senses and personal experiences. The Treeture program is a wonderful vehicle for children to delve into the natural world. In a "nutshell," the Treeture program helps instill a positive environmental ethic and offers students the opportunity to realize how important they are in determining the future of their world.
*Please note: Use of the costume is free of charge, however there is a costume shipping charge that varies with the location of the event. This can be underwritten by P.T.A. or other sponsor.