#SSDecisionMaking: What's Happening in the Great Kapok Tree?

The Great Kapok Tree, by Lynne Cherry, is a wonderful children's book that can be used to teach about decision-making and sustainability. It is also a book that makes us think about the human impact on the environment. In the text, a lumberjack is sent to cut down the Great Kapok Tree. After he works for a while, he gets tired and takes a nap below the tree. While he is sleeping, the different animals whisper in his ear about how the tree satisfies their needs and wants.

At the end of the tale, an anteater whispers, "What happens tomorrow depends upon what you do today." This is a perfect phrase to discuss sustainable economic development. If the forest is destroyed, what do we lose? What goods are provided by the Amazon and other forests? How do the animals, plants, and other living things cooperate in an ecosystem of producers and consumers? How can we better preserve these natural resources so we can continue to enjoy the many gifts they provide?

Check out the interactive Nearpod activity we created. Go to Nearpod.com   and download the lesson into your Nearpod library with this editable link.   

Now learn more about endangered species in the links below. Choose one animal to research and write a persuasive text about the importance of preserving the species.