Who is Trees in the Forest for?
This book is for anyone who is looking for accessible ways to work on comprehension skills, analytical skills, oral discussions, or student writing, including:
- Parents and homeschool educators
- Teachers and tutors
- Intervention specialists and Speech Language Pathologists
- Anyone who wants to get more out of the stories and literature they read
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Can I use the activities and strategies in Trees in the Forest with students of any age?
Yes. The activities and strategies are designed to be modified through the use of age and grade-appropriate literature. The reading activities can be accomplished with books students read independently, as well as those read aloud. The writing activities require basic writing skills, although the program is designed to accommodate students with limited writing abilities. Writing activities focus on idea generation and fluency (getting thoughts on paper) rather than composition.
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Will Trees in the Forest help my student who struggles?
Yes. The strategies in Trees in the Forest benefit all students, but they are especially supportive for learners who struggle with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and developmental language delays.
Explicit activities develop abstract thinking, teaching the complex skills needed to analyze text. Use books that your student can accurately read, as well picture books and stories read aloud. The writing activities focus on content and getting thoughts on paper in bits & pieces, rather than length or composition. This type of writing is therapeutic for the learner who struggles, building their confidence for more writing as they grow.
Learning how to appreciate text at any level opens the world of literature and improves comprehension skills (listening and reading), thinking skills (text knowledge and analysis), and expressive language skills (oral discussion and writing).
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Is my student too young to be introduced to abstract thinking?
If your student has basic reading and writing skills, they can begin to understand the subtle nuances found in story text. Students learn “to have a conversation” with the text they are reading which deepens their engagement and understanding. Picture books are used in two of the methods to demonstrate strategies across age levels. While abstract thinking skills develop with age, thinking about text begins at an early age. Even young children have opinions, and those opinions are the path to analytical thinking!
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Do I need to read Trees in the Forest cover-to-cover before I can implement any strategies?
No. Each chapter provides immediately usable techniques and strategies to try with your students. Of course, we recommend you read and try them all! The PDF purchase includes a Comprehension Instructional Guide free download that outlines an order of teaching for Trees in the Forest activities and more.
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Can I use Trees in the Forest with other programs?
Yes. These concepts are designed to deepen analytical thinking, generate an appreciation for text, and empower students to write their thoughts on paper. The activities are language and art-based and will augment any reading or language arts program.
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Do I need any other resources to accompany the activities in Trees in the Forest?
The following works of literature are used to demonstrate the activities in this book:
- The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
- This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
- Blart–A Little Blob of Art by Tracy Molitors (available from Rooted in Language)
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I purchased the paperback version of Trees in the Forest on Amazon. Are there any supplemental resources to go with it?
Yes. Download the three page Comprehension Instructional Guide that outlines an order of teaching for Trees in the Forest activities and more.
