Who Speaks for the Trees? An interdisciplinary language arts unit for grades 3-6

Who Speaks for the Trees? is a place-based, research-based unit that integrates English Language Arts with science and sustainability concepts to help students understand how humans and tree communities are interconnected and interdependent. Designed for grades 3–6, this unit engages learners in meaningful reading comprehension, writing, systems thinking, and critical literacy skills.

Over approximately 21–24 class periods, students:
• Read high-quality nonfiction texts
• Investigate and document local trees outdoors
• Evaluate local laws and community viewpoints
• Participate in discussion and analysis
• Create persuasive writing to advocate for community tree stewardship

This unit was developed as part of a doctoral research study conducted in seven Canadian upper elementary classrooms. The unit demonstrated statistically significant gains in systems thinking and critical reading skills. Findings also showed that the majority of students were proficient in critical writing skills. The unit was also highly engaging for students, especially amongst diverse learners.

Students Will:

✔ Conduct outdoor field investigations of local trees

✔ Explore the role of trees in local ecosystems and communities

✔ Read informational texts and evaluate multiple perspectives on real-life tree and human interactions

✔ Examine local laws and policies and suggest revisions

✔ Learn about tree diseases and pests, and apply it to evaluate tree health, including testing the soil for nutrients

✔ Create a persuasive writing project advocating for the stewardship of community trees

Unit Structure

• Time: 9 Lessons over 21–24 class periods (about 1 hour each)
• Flexible pacing depending on lesson selection and final project time
• Suitable for schools, homeschools, and nature-based programs
  

Outline (Most lessons take multiple days)

• Lesson 1: Meet the Trees in Our Community
• Lesson 2: Defining Community  
• Lesson 2: Defining Community
• Lesson 3: How Are Tree and Human Communities Connected? 
• Lesson 4: Are The Trees In Our Community Healthy And Thriving? 
• Lesson 5: What Can We Do To Help Trees Flourish? Tend, Protect, Advocate 
• Lesson 6: Making Connections, Seeing the Larger Picture 
• Lesson 7: Considering Perspectives and Solutions 
• Lesson 8: Designing texts for action
• Lesson 9: Ready, Set, Action!

Key Materials

Each lesson includes a written materials list. Notable resources used throughout the unit and which need to be purchased separately include:

• Field guides (e.g., Sibley’s, Arborama)
• The City Tree — Shira Boss
• Drawn to Change the World — Emma Reynolds
• Soil testing kits (pH, Nitrogen, Pot Ash, Potassium)

The unit is aligned with U.S. learning standards (NGSS, most state ELA standards), select Canadian provincial curricula, and UNESCO greening curriculum guidelines.

This product is a digital download. Customers will receive links to download a 121-page PDF plus a PDF file of Scavenger Hunt Cards. Resale or distribution of digital products is prohibited by federal copyright law. Due to the nature of Digital products, returns are not permitted.

Looking for a program to teach your child how to read? Check out Wild Reading 1 & 2