Creating with Books: Talkin' Trees

Our Tree Named Steve

by Alan Zweibel

Our Tree Named Steve is a heartwarming story, told in flashback by a father to his

children, about a tree and how that tree became a beloved

family member. It is illustrated by David Catrow. I wanted to do a fall-ish program

but our beautiful Charlotte NC trees haven't begun to change their colors yet.

So, I opted for Steve. If you haven't read it, read it today;

I'm sure that you will want to share it with others.

Old Elm Speaks Tree Poems by Kristine O'Connell George

Sky Tree: Seeing Science Through Art by Thomas Locker

Talking Sticks

In Native American tradition, talking sticks were used to keep order and respect in tribal meetings and gatherings, but their use was also extended to storytelling circles and teaching children. I was just looking for a craft that I could use sticks for. But I got so much more out of the experience, and so did the children. We sat in a circle and I passed the talking stick around giving each child an opportunity to speak. Being the elder, I began the conversation asking them what kind of program they would like to have with Creating with Books? Most of them passed the stick on but we had a few that spoke up.

Next month I will be doing a program on rocks thanks to one of the students.

The Craft

I brought in some cut "sticks" from an overgrown shrub we had trimmed. My husband helped me cut, sand and clean the sticks. What a sweetie. I had made a talking stick prior to the program testing out different techniques. Prime the sticks in tempura paint (not acrylic) and use permanent makers for the design. I put out different colors of Sharpie permanent markers on the paper covered work tables. To protect their clothes I had large tee-shirts for cover ups. The primed sticks, yarn and feathers were at a buffet table where my co-worker Noelle manned the hot glue gun that was used to secure the string yarn and feathers. I played instrumental music in the background while the six to ten years old created.