Story tree

A fifth grade class decorated this tree with

127 miniature books (made by the students)

and library cards sent by public libraries

from all over the U.S.

The Concord Museum

(Concord, MA) in 2001.

Though it is hard to see,

a frog sits on the top.

Felt characters march across the branches.

The
Book! Book! Book!
Tree

How to Create a Story Tree

• Trees can be an evergreen or twig. They can be full size or tabletop. Real or artificial.
• Choose a picture book, or have the students choose a favorite. The story does not have to be a Christmas story.
• A class can decorate one tree, or smaller groups of students can decorate different trees.
• Explain to the students that they are the artists and the tree is their “canvass.”
• Brainstorm. If the students need some help, ask them questions: Who are the characters? Where does the story take place? What is the theme? Are there words that are special to the story? Are there colors special to the illustrations?
• Give the students lots of materials and let them create!