Our Christmas Tree - (play and creativity evolving)

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

• "Mommy, the leaves are falling off of my tree."
• "I see that.  Hmmmmm.  I wonder why.  What do you think?"
• "I think they are falling so that I can vacuum them up."

[Runs to closet....takes out Swiffer vac....vacuums up leaves....removes filter (his favorite part....and he insists on cleaning the filter every time he vacuums)....dumps filter into trash.....replaces filter....replaces Swiffer vac and puts it on charge.]

• "Mommy, the leaves are falling off my tree like they do outside."
• "Oh, that's right.  That's a great comparison.  I wonder why they do that."
• "Hmmmmmmmm....I dont know."
• "You think it might be because the season are changing and the leaves are dying, so they fall off the trees?"
• "Yeah, the leaves are dead.  Dead and crunchy.  Mommy, we need to make another tree."
• "I think that's a great idea.  Would you like to make another Fall tree or something different."
• "Hmmmmm...maybe a Christmas tree!"
• "Sounds good to me.  What should we use?"
• "I dont know."
• "Let's look out the window.  Do you see anything that looks like a Christmas tree outside."
• "Yes, Mommy, there are lots and lots of Christmas trees in our back yard."

I LOVE HOW HIS FALL TREE HAS EVOLVED INTO SO MANY MORE DISCOVERIES.  SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE ASKED IF WE APPLIED MORE CONTACT PAPER ON TOP OF THE TREE TO PROLONG ITS LIFE....WE DIDN'T.....IT WAS HIS PROJECT AND I LET IT BE AS IT WAS.  I'M GLAD I DID BECAUSE IT WAS A CATALYST TO THIS ACTIVITY, LOTS OF DIALOGUE, AND EVEN MORE FUN!

My son and I ventured into the back yard with pruning scissors and I assisted while he cut branches off of the cedar trees.  We found out very quickly that they DO NOT stick to contact paper.  We decided just to use gems.  He asked me to join in play with him this time....on several occasions.  I would stick on some gems and periodically ask him to help me find a great place to put them - "Where do you think this one should go?"

Now, we have a Christmas tree.  :)

He told me that the gems under the tree were presents.  :)

- AK (MESE, MECD)