LESSONS LEARNED FROM A TREE
OUTDOOR LIVING
The children wanted to show their love for this big tree!
Do you ever wonder in awe and amazement at a tree? I recently shared the book, Be a Tree by Maria Gianferrari, with a local preschool class. The poetic text invited our bodies to stand tall like a tree, stretching limbs to the sky and curling roots into the ground. We investigated bark which protects the tree like our skin and the inner layers of the tree that give support like our bones and carry nutrients like our vascular system. We also learned of the diversity of trees, how their canopies have different shapes and the leaves blow in the wind. It reminded of a period of great change with my work. Our supervisor had us all stand with planted feet and branches up high, saying, “I’m a tree. I can bend.” Trees are resilient in gusts and storms. In the book, we were reminded that the trees’ roots are all intertwined along with an extensive fungi system. Trees “talk” and care for other trees, letting them know of danger and sharing resources. The canopies allow space for other nearby trees and shade younger
ones. Trees also become homes for many other animals and organisms in the ecosystem. If you’d like to learn more about how trees communicate and care for each other, check out The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben. Be a Tree reminds us that forests are strong together, taking care of the new, weak, sick, and young trees, with illustrations that we, as humans, also care for those in need in our community. As the book mentions, “There is enough for all,” including all of us in our community, together as a forest. The book share with ways to help save trees and to be a forest in our community. The children gave many suggestions like giving a hug, handshake, or smile. The book also recommends many ways I see our community pulling together like helping with stray animals, visiting “grandfriends” in nursing homes, having buddy systems at the schools, and sowing native plants in local gardens. How are you a part of our forest community? How can we make space for all, caring for and nurturing those around us?
The bark of the tree protects like our skin protects our bodies. Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www. insideoutsidemichiana.com and hosts the podcast Loose Parts Nature Play. She is often seen with four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area. 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | JANUARY 2022
Preschoolers explored the rings of a tree.
