Giving Tree, The
This is a touching story of tree and its relationship with a boy/man. The tree provides natural resources for him to use throughout his life.
Economic Concepts
- Natural Resources
- Scarcity
- Opportunity Cost
- Economic Wants
- Goods and Services
Grade Levels
- Primary (K-3)
- Intermediate (4-6)
Related Subjects
- Environment
Teacher Tips for Using this Book
In this lesson, students explore scarcity, and determine how the boy/man used the tree’s natural resources to fulfill his economic wants. (Print publication – lesson not available online.)
Day, H. R. (1997). Teaching economics using children’s literature. [Indianapolis, Ind.]: Center for School Improvement and Performance, Office of Program Development.
Online lesson, The Giving Tree, from Kids Econ Books:
http://www.kidseconbooks.com/html/giving_tree.html
Students read the book and discuss the economics concepts through a set of questions and answers.
In this lesson, students discuss goods and services that can be made from a tree. Then after a walk around the neighborhood, they produce books as they learn about natural resources. (Lesson 7 from print publication – lesson not available online.)
Phipps, B. J., Hopkins, M. C., & Littrell, R. L. (1993). Teaching strategies K-2: teacher resource manual. Master curriculum guide in economics. New York, NY: National Council on Economic Education.