These tree art ideas are perfect for a wide variety of themes throughout the school year. I love having a variety of art projects for kids ready to go as I’m planning, what about you?
You can adjust each of the tree art projects based on your students’ ages and needs, as well as the time of year. Or even just based on the supplies you already have on-hand! All of this to say, the tree art activities are easily tweaked to meet your needs.
You’ll find a variety of art materials and techniques showcased in the tree art shared below. This way, your students can work with items they’re familiar with, as well as try out some new ideas along the way.
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Below is a brief description of some fun tree art ideas the kids are sure to love. Peruse through them to get an idea of the various options. Then pick out a few favorites to try with your students. Click on the blue, underlined link within a particular description for a more detailed account of each project. And, finally, it’s time to test them out with the children!
Why Make Tree Art?
Trees have sticks, leaves, provide shade, and make excellent playgrounds. They grow fruits, flowers, needles, nuts, and pinecones. And leaves come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Needless to say, trees are full of tons of opportunities for childhood fun!
On top of all of that, trees are a great introduction to science topics as they are home to a wide variety of animal and plant life.
Not all children get excited about trees, of course, but many of them are interested in some of the components listed above. The many parts of trees make them an incredibly interesting and diverse subject matter. Why not use that creativity to inspire the kids’ artistic endeavors?!
If that’s not enough of a reason to dive into some tree-inspired art, don’t worry. Here are some skills the tree art ideas will cover:
- Sensory integration
- Counting
- Saturation and absorption
- Various art techniques
- Creativity
- Color theory
- Shape identification
- Multi-step directions
- Scissor skills
- Fine motor skills
- Color identification
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Related: Fall Tree Art Projects
And that’s just to name a few. There are so many benefits of creating art as well as learning about nature. Feel free to let me know of any specific benefits I’ve missed!
Materials for the Tree Art Activities
Every successful preschool activity begins with a well-thought-out plan (with a side of flexibility, of course). One component of that plan is a list of materials.
There are many different art modalities used in the tree art ideas listed below. But here’s a list of things to have on hand in case you want to create your own tree art idea (I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post):
- Elmer’s glue
- Tempera paint
- Liquid watercolors
- Paintbrushes
- Q-tips
- Clothespins
- Loose parts from the classroom
Now, this list is just for reference. You can also use natural materials like sticks, twigs, pinecones, leaves, pine needles, acorns, fruits from trees, seeds, etc. You’ll find specific, detailed supply lists in the tree art activities linked below.
Tree Art Ideas
Read through the ideas listed below and pick out a few favorites. Then click on each link for specific materials lists, step-by-step directions, tips, and tricks for each project.
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Students practice their pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination as they explore a new art technique with the straw drop painting apple tree.
Children explore their creativity and concepts of color mixing as they engage their senses with the tree handprint and symmetry art.
The Christmas tree painting on ice activity is such a fun process art activity to engage the senses! Simply alter the list of materials to reflect different paint colors to make this activity work year-round.
Painting with nature is lots of fun! Instead of using trees as the subject of art, try using bits of them as tools to create with or even as a canvas to paint on.
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This simple cotton swab tree craft is so versatile! Just change up the paint colors and the craft works for all four seasons.
This mixed media winter tree art is great for kids of all ages! You can even change up the paint colors or switch it out for another crafting material to make this craft suitable for any time of year.
You likely already have everything you need for the pom pom painted heart tree in your supply closet. This charming project is the perfect gift for a loved one!
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The Christmas tree sponge painting is great for the holiday season, and you can switch up the gems to reflect a variety of themes! Orange, red, and yellow gems are perfect for fall. Small heart gems will work for Valentines day. The options are endless!
The Christmas tree spin art is super versatile. After heading to the kitchen for the salad spinner, select different paint colors and cut the paper into the desired shape to fit the season or theme.
The kids will have a blast engaging their senses as they create a handprint winter tree. Expand on the craft with a lesson about weather or the seasons!
The beautiful background combined with the text on the tree trunks makes this birch winter tree art such a whimsical creation!
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Take the class on an outdoor scavenger hunt to gather some natural materials. Then let students work together to create this collaborative pine tree art project.
The handprint heart tree is the perfect keepsake for Valentine’s Day, but it also makes a cute card for a birthday, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just to brighten someone’s day!
After students create the dotted spring tree art, hang it on the wall or bulletin board for a beautiful classroom display! Add a sensory component to this project by using fingerprints instead of paintbrushes.
Which tree art ideas are you most excited to try with your students? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
More Tree Activities
There are so many creative and fun tree art ideas out there! But perhaps you’re looking to expand the tree theme into other preschool subjects. Here are a few ideas to get you started on a preschool tree theme:
- Apple Tree Math Game
- Fall Pom Pom Tree
- Pumpkin Seed Art
- Color Matching Sticky Apple Tree
- Evergreen Tree Activities for Preschoolers
- Truffula Tree Math Games
- Geoboard Christmas Tree
So many educational, tree-themed activities! These make a great start on a well-rounded preschool tree unit!
Tree Lesson Plans
Teaching is an incredible rewarding career. Preschool and kindergarten are some of the best grades to teach, in my opinion! Even so, there are still some very challenging aspects of the job. One such thing that comes to mind is the time-consuming and stressful nature of creating meaningful, well-rounded lesson plans week after week. That’s where my sister site, Preschool Teacher 101, comes in! Our comprehensive preschool resources are sure to save you tons of time and reduce lesson planning-related stress.
Students will explore the parts of a tree and engage in tree-inspired math, reading, and science activities with our Trees Lesson Plans product. Click on the image below for detailed information.
Check out some of our other preschool products inspired by the great outdoors. Click on the images below for more information about each product.
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Do these plans seem like they would fit well with your teaching style? If so, consider signing up for a Preschool Teacher 101 membership! Members get regular access to our products at a steeply discounted rate.
You can also find us on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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