Program Spotlight: A Study of Trees

Study of Trees: Project based learning helps children reach for the sky at FSH

At Friends School Haverford, we believe that learning can be an adventure—one that connects children to the world around them. This philosophy shines through in our recent project, the Study of Trees, where young learners explored the beauty and importance of trees in a way that was engaging, hands-on, and deeply meaningful.

The journey began with a simple observation: our children noticed the changing trees on our campus throughout the seasons. 

Inspired by this natural curiosity, last year Prekindergarten Teachers Sophie Haskell and Julie Bowman launched a year-long project combining reading, mathematics, and geography with environmental stewardship. The study was part of our commitment to project-based learning, a learner-centered approach that helps students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills by going deep on a specific topic with exposure to key components of the academic curriculum along the way.

In the Study of Trees, FSH students became immersed in the fascinating world of these green giants–big and small. They learned about the different types of trees right on our campus, from towering oaks to delicate maples. They learned to identify coniferous and non-coniferous trees. At the outset, Sophie and Julie guided their thinking with questions: 

• “How tall do you think this tree will grow?” 
• “What creatures live in and around trees?” and 
• “Why are trees important to our environment?” 

These questions sparked their imaginations and led to discoveries about the life cycle of trees, their parts, and even the impact of deforestation.

On campus, each child picked a tree to study closely and call their own over the course of the project. They created leaf rubbings, drawings, and engaged in math activities–measuring the circumference of trees first by estimating (Can I hug this tree all the way around? Is there extra space?) and later, by using Unifix cubes to get a more accurate sense.

Teachers shared stories of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist who inspired millions to plant trees and care for the earth. The students learned about their own connection to nature and thought about how they could make a difference–no matter how small–in protecting our environment. With teachers, they talked about the idea that trees are not just a part of the landscape; they are important for our air, our communities, and our planet.

The Study of Trees culminated in a special ceremony where students presented the school community a special tree book, created by the children, that mapped and cataloged all the trees at FSH school grounds. It was a powerful moment, filled with pride and hope, as children understood their role in caring for the earth.

We invite your child to apply for admission and join our community, where every day is an opportunity to discover the ways in which we are connected to our world, and importantly, to each other.

RSVP for Admissions Open House on Saturday, October 19 or Thursday, November 7. While you’re here, you and your child can check out the fall leaves dropping from our beautiful trees.