Materials List:
– Twigs
– Popped popcorn
– Construction paper
– Glue
– Craft paint (optional)
– Paintbrushes (optional)

Preschool Learning Objectives:
1. Develop fine motor skills through picking up popcorn and gluing it onto paper.
2. Explore creativity and artistic expression by creating a unique tree using twigs and popcorn.
3. Learn about nature and seasons by discussing how trees change during different times of the year.

Preschool Teacher Instructions:
1. Begin by collecting twigs and popped popcorn. Ensure the popcorn is cool before allowing the children to handle it.
2. Provide each child with a piece of construction paper and a small cup of glue.
3. Encourage the children to spread the glue onto their paper and stick on popcorn to create the “leaves” of their tree using the twigs as the trunk. Alternatively, you can make the trunk out of construction paper.
4. For added creativity, you can offer craft paint for the children to paint their popcorn before gluing it on to create fall “leaves” or “cherry blossoms”.
5. Support the children as needed, assisting with gluing and painting if necessary.
6. Display the finished popcorn trees in the classroom to showcase the children’s artwork.

Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– Provide different colors of craft paint to allow children to create trees with various colored “leaves”.
– Offer different sizes of twigs for children to choose from to create trees of different heights.

Assessment Suggestions:
– Observe each child’s fine motor skills as they pick up popcorn and glue it onto the paper.
– Assess creativity and artistic expression by looking at the child’s finished tree and discussing their choices in materials and colors.