Instructions

1. Before the activity, have supplies out and ready to go.
2. Have students spread out at tables. Give one piece of cardstock and a pencil to each student.
3. Have each student write their name on the back of their paper.
4. Next, have each student trace their forearm and hand on their paper (their forearm is the trunk of the tree and their fingers are the branches).
5. Once they have traced their forearm and hand with a pencil, have them outline the pencil with a black marker.
6. Next, have students write, “I Love Me” in the middle of their tree trunk with their name.
7. Then, have each student think of five things that they love about themselves and write each on one of the branches. For younger students, have teachers write as the students dictate.
8. When done, have them select a crayon to match their skin tone. Students may need to mix several colors together. Remind them that their skin is beautiful exactly as it is! Have them color the trunk of the tree.
9. With their trunk complete, pass out paper plates with various shades of green paint.
10. Using one finger, students will dip into the paint and create l eaves using their unique fingerprints (another thing that makes them special!).
11. Once the paint dries, students can add grass, clouds, the sun, flowers, etc., using crayons.
12. Clean up and have students put their “trees” where they can dry.
13. Gather students into a circle for reflection.