It is considered a symbol of the universe and is the most sacred tree for the ancient Mayan population. If you want to unearth more interesting facts about this ancient tree and sacred symbol, keep reading! Facts About The Kapok Tree Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. The height and growth of the tree depend on various factors. The lowland rainforest of its origin nation contributes to its usually massive size compared to other trees. There is a fascinating story related to the kapok tree’s history and mythological values. It is considered one of the many wonders of the world. The following video gives more information about the book and the rainforest. Could you create a similar video (or a written / audio report)?

The ten lessons in this unit use drama, discussion and creative activities to help pupils to engage imaginatively with the text. Pupils will become familiar with the structure of dilemma stories and then write and edit their own dilemma stories based on 'The Great Kapok Tree'. There is also a grammar focus on using direct speech and plenty of activities designed to develop vocabulary. Visualizing the setting: Rich word choice once he wakes up to emphasize perceptual change (i.e. sun streaming through canopy; glowed like jewels; The name ‘kapok’ comes from the cotton-like pile acquired from the seed pods of these trees, which is a Malay-derived name and is known by many other names in different regions. It is mainly cultivated for its cotton-like seed fiber, which is used for different purposes and is very famous in south-east Asian countries. a b c Ellen J. Bartlett. "A colorful story to make kids earth-lovers". Boston Globe. April 24, 1990. 25.

This is a fictional book where a man goes into the rainforest in search of the Great Kapok Tree so he can cut it down. Once in the forest he gets tired and decides to take a nap beside the tree. During this nap many of the creatures that live at the Kapok tree talk to him in his sleep trying to convince him to not cut the tree down. When the man wakes up he realizes the importance of the tree and does not cut it down. The ability of the kapok to attract wildlife to the forest is one of its most notable physical characteristics. As the unopened fruit doesn’t sink inside the water, it is believed that the fruit of the tree floated from Latin America to Africa through the ocean. Did You Know... The fibers obtained from the tree are also used in acoustic and thermal isolation. The Kapok Tree’s Symbolism Cecilia Goodnow. "It's just Lynne Cherry's nature to get out the word on protecting the environment". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. September 25, 1995. C1.

The Ceiba Pentandra tree of tropical rainforests is famous for various reasons and is cultivated on a large scale for production. Look at the front cover of the book. How many different animal species can you see? How are they similar / different? Text-to Teaching Connection: What is a response activity that you can do in a classroom with Children in response to the book? Since the soil washes away with frequent rains, the kapok tree has to support itself by growing massive trunks, tripod-like buttresses, and wide rise flowing outward from the trunk.The pictures in this book contribute to the beauty of this story. They provide a real warmth and positive connection between the words and environment. Create a weather report for the rainforest. How would it compare to a weather report for the place where you live? Kapok seeds have 20-25% of oil, which is very similar to cottonseed oil. We can use oil from Ceiba Pentandra seeds for cooking purposes.

Text-to-World Connection: How does a theme or content presented in the book connect to something happening in the world? At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.The Great Kapok Tree is an American children's picture book about rainforest conservation. It was written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry and was originally published by Harcourt Brace Jovanovich in 1990. The book is dedicated to Chico Mendes, a Brazilian rubber tapper trying to protect the rainforests, who was murdered in 1988. [1] Plot summary [ edit ] Base of a colossal specimen of the kapok tree Ceiba pentandra, with two individuals seated on its buttress roots to indicate scale Some folklore from Trinidad and Tobago says that a considerable kapok tree exists deep in the forest.