The “After Christmas Tree” book and activity for preschool

This is one of my absolute favorite books to read after Christmas. It is called the “The After-Christmas Tree” by Linda Wagner Tyler.

This is a book about what to do with the Christmas tree after all the decorations are down. The children keep the spirit of giving alive by decorating the tree with items to feed the birds and other animals that live outdoors.

Once you read the book, your students can make birdseed ornaments and garlands of nuts and cranberries to take outside and hang on a tree in your yard or play ground.

Links to grow on…

Here are some birdseed ornaments or feeders that your students can make as a follow-up to this book…

Cookies for the Birds by Greening Sam and Avery

Presents for our woodland friends by Rockabye Butterfly

“Frozen Birdseed” by Almost Unschoolers

Milk Bottle Bird feeder” by Nurture Store

Christmas for the Birds” by Silly Eagle Books

Pine Cone Bird Feeder” by The Amazing Mess

Biscuit Bird Feeders” by Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds

Binoculars” by Crafty Crafted

For a little something else to do, try this little After-Christmas Tree craft….

What you will need:

  • 1 part glue and 1 part brown paint mixed together
  • Green construction paper strips cut into varied lengths
  • Bird seed
  • Paper to put it all on

What you will do:

Start by letting the child paint the brown paint and glue mixture on the paper in the form of a tree (or a big blob will do:)

Next, add the green paper strips on top of the brown paint and glue mixture…

Then drip some more glue on top of the paper strips and any where else desired…

Now it is time to add some birdseed to the glue.  I didn’t have any birdseed on hand and so like all good preschool teachers learn how to do – I improvised. I used a Salad Topper mix 🙂

This salad topper has been sitting in my cabinet and since I rarely cook – it hasn’t ever been opened. So I found a good use for it! I thought it looks kind of like birdseed don’t you? But it smells better and it is edible too!

Once the glue dries, just shake off the “bird seed” that didn’t stick and you have your very own After-Christmas tree!

Want to see more ideas for this book – Check out this post by “A Place Called Kindergarten!”

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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