Tree of Life

Last week, both Kindergarten classes visited Koenig Orchards in Caldwell to experience what they have been studying in their Unit of Inquiry, Tree of Life. At the orchard, the students examined the different shapes and colors of the leaves on apple, peach, plum, apricot, and pluot trees. The students also saw how animals use trees for shelter and food when they found two bird nests as well as some squirrels who had been nibbling on fallen fruit. Besides having the opportunity to see the different fruits growing on the trees, this trip enabled our students to understand that, not only do trees provide human beings with food, but trees are important for others animals in many ways. The highlight of the trip was sampling the fresh apples and pluots, and sharing apple cider from an orchard across the way. One student said, “We should do this at Riverstone!” Maybe we will plant a garden with a few fruit trees as part of our new Shades of Green program!