Big Trees / Baby Steps
From Elinor Wonders Why · 2021

25 minPre-KK1stScienceSocial-Emotional Learning
Summary
How do the tallest trees stand up and stay alive? The kids investigate roots, trunks, and everything a big tree needs. Then a wobbly little tapir shows that growing up happens one small step at a time — with a parent close by to help.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Big trees and little tapirs both grow — slowly, and with help.
- What parts of the tree did the kids learn about? What does each part do?
- What does a tree need to grow so big?
- How did the baby tapir's family help it learn to walk?
- What's something you learned in baby steps?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: roots, trunk, branches, sturdy, patience.
Try it: Draw a big tree and label roots, trunk, branches, and leaves.
Try it: Tell a partner about something a grown-up helped you learn to do.

