Author/ Illustrator: Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein grew up in Chicago and started writing when he was twelve years old. He did not set out to draw and write for children. He would have rather spent time playing baseball but he was not good at it so he decided to draw and write. He did not have any other poet to look to for inspiration so he developed his own style. He was a GI in Japan and Korea in the 1950s and served in the Korean War. While he was in the military, he worked as a cartoonist for "Pacific Stars and Stripes." In 1963, he was convinced to begin writing for children. Where the Sidewalk Ends, Light In the Attic, Runny Babbit, and The Giving Tree are a few of his popular pieces.
Synopsis:
This story is about a tree who loved a little boy. This boy would always visit the tree, eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk and this made the tree very happy.
However, as the boy grew older, he wanted more from the tree each time and the tree gave him what he wanted. The tree would always give the boy what she could because she wanted him happy. When the boy was happy, she was happy. The last time he came to see her, she was sad because she had nothing left to give him. However, the boy said he didn’t need much now. He just needed a place to rest, so the tree gave him a place to rest.
Pre Reading Activity:
Activity:
Have the class each write a few sentences about what they would want a giving tree to give to them if they had one. Have them describe what their giving tree would look like and draw a picture to go with it.
Post Reading Activity:
Activity:
After reading the story, have the students brainstorm and think of people who have given them something or have done something for them. Have the students write a thank you letter to someone who has given them something or helped them in some way.
Reflection:
The Giving Tree is a wonderful story. Sometimes people do not realize what someone or something gives them unless it is material things. The Giving Tree gives all of herself to the little boy, and he takes it without ever saying thank you. I think in real life this happens many times, someone gives so much of themselves or even so much of what they have and it often goes un-noticed. I beleive this topic is relevant in today's world even though it was published in 1964. It shows that people still take things for granted and do not think about saying two words that can make all the difference!
The Giving Tree is a wonderful story. Sometimes people do not realize what someone or something gives them unless it is material things. The Giving Tree gives all of herself to the little boy, and he takes it without ever saying thank you. I think in real life this happens many times, someone gives so much of themselves or even so much of what they have and it often goes un-noticed. I beleive this topic is relevant in today's world even though it was published in 1964. It shows that people still take things for granted and do not think about saying two words that can make all the difference!
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