Bring the Wish Tree Project to Your Classroom

Students Create Their Own Wish Trees, Inspired by Beloved Children’s Book

Even with all the challenges in the world today, the future shines brilliantly when you see the creativity and hope reflected in these school projects! Students at a Toronto school took part in a ChariTree Foundation environmental education project inspired by the nonfiction children’s tree planting book — The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place.

Here are some of the students’ beautiful Wish Trees and the heartfelt wishes they carry:

🌿“My tree gives kindness when you climb it. My tree gives hugs too.” — Christian.

🌿“When someone gets hurt, my tree heals people. My tree plays with people when they have no one to play.” — Niko

🌿“I’m planting a Wish Tree to have no more traffic in the world.” — Aurora

🌿“I’m planting a Wish Tree to help make the world better.” — Kaia

The world is already brighter because of Angela and her students at The New School. 💛✨

How Your Class Can Create Wish Trees Too

Wish Tree Environmental Education Activity

Want to bring The Wish Trees to life in your own classroom? It’s easy—here’s how your class can get started:

Teacher Resource & Curriculum Connections Guide
Inspired by The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place
By Andrea Koehle Jones • Illustrated by Alicia Padrón

Overview

This cross-curricular activity invites students to explore environmental responsibility, empathy, and creative expression through the creation of their own “Wish Trees.” Guided by the inspiring book The Wish Trees, students reflect on global challenges, imagine a better world, and plant real or symbolic trees to represent their wishes for the planet.

 

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Develop an understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of trees
  • Make personal connections between their actions and global sustainability
  • Express empathy and creativity through writing and visual art
  • Practice collaboration, reflection, and presentation skills
  • Take meaningful action to support the environment

Curriculum Connections

Science / Environmental Education

  • Life systems (plants, ecosystems, human impact on the environment)
  • Sustainability and stewardship
  • Climate change awareness and action
  • Outdoor and experiential learning

Language Arts

  • Reading comprehension and text-to-world connections
  • Expressive writing: wishes, hopes, and reflections
  • Oral language development through class discussion and presentations
  • Descriptive and narrative writing inspired by the book

Visual Arts

  • Drawing, painting, or crafting representations of Wish Trees
  • Using symbolism and color to express meaning
  • Exploring art as a tool for advocacy and expression

Social Studies / Global Citizenship

  • Understanding local and global issues
  • Recognizing diverse perspectives and cultural approaches to environmental care
  • Exploring children’s voices and roles in global change

Suggested Activity Structure

1. Read and Reflect

  • Read The Wish Trees as a class.
  • Facilitate a discussion on the book’s themes: kindness, hope, and caring for the Earth.

2. Make a Wish for the Planet

  • Invite students to think about a positive change they would like to see.
  • Prompt them to write a short wish statement beginning with: “I’m planting a Wish Tree to…”

3. Create a Wish Tree

  • Each student draws or paints a tree and includes their wish on the tree or nearby.
  • Optionally, plant a real tree as a class or individual families can plant trees at home.

4. Share their Wishes and Celebrate

  • Display their tree artwork in the classroom, school hallway, or create a digital gallery.
  • Encourage students to present their trees and explain their wishes.
  • Share them online at wish4theplanet.com to inspire others.

5. Extend the Learning

  • Explore related topics like biodiversity, Indigenous teachings about trees, or climate action.
  • Connect with community tree-planting events or environmental organizations.

Materials Needed

  • Copy of The Wish Trees
  • Art supplies (paper, markers, paint, etc.)
  • Optional: Tree saplings or planting kits
  • Poster board or bulletin space for display

About The Wish Trees

Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children’s book introduces young readers to the joy of tree planting with kids around the world planting Wish Trees and making heartfelt wishes.

With each beautifully illustrated page, children discover the wonder of trees and enjoy spotting different animals and tree names, making this book both an engaging story and a nature learning tool.

See reviews of The Wish Trees by Andrea Koehle Jones (Author), Alicia Padrón (Illustrator) here: https://andreakoehlejones.com/reviews/