Trees — Shirley Bauer
Introduction
'Trees' is a poem by Shirley Bauer that celebrates the many gifts of trees. The poem lists the countless ways trees enrich our lives — they give us shade, fruit, wood, a place for birds, a place to play, a place for swings, and so much more. The poem is a gentle reminder of how essential trees are for life on Earth.
'Trees ask for nothing but give us everything — shade, fruit, oxygen, beauty, and a home for birds. The poem is a thank-you note to trees.'
2. The Poem
Trees are for birds. Trees are for children. Trees are to make tree houses in. Trees are to swing swings on. Trees are for the wind to blow through. Trees are to hide behind in 'Hide and Seek'. Trees are to have tea parties under. Trees are for kites to get caught in. Trees are to make cool shade in summer. Trees are to make no shade in winter. Trees are for apples to grow on. Trees are for the owls to sit in. Trees are for the birds to sing in. Trees are for the wood to make houses and tables.
3. Summary
The poem is a simple list of all the things trees are used for. The poet mentions both practical uses (wood for houses and tables, shade in summer) and joyful uses (tree houses, swings, hiding in 'Hide and Seek', kite flying, tea parties). Trees are for birds and owls and children. The poem celebrates the generosity of trees — they provide for everyone.
4. Poetic Devices
| Device | Example |
|---|---|
| Repetition | 'Trees are for...' is repeated at the start of every line |
| Alliteration | 'Swing swings', 'Hide and Seek' |
| Imagery | Visual images of shade, swings, tree houses |
| Simple language | Everyday words that a child can understand |
| Listing | The poem is built as a list of uses |
5. Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Swings | A seat hanging from ropes for children to play on |
| Hide and Seek | A children's game of hiding and finding |
| Kite | A toy that flies in the wind on a string |
| Shade | Cool area made by trees blocking the sun |
6. Think and Answer
- What are trees for birds?
- What game can you play using trees?
- Why do trees make cool shade in summer?
- What are trees used for making?
7. Exam Focus
2-Mark Questions
- What are trees for birds to do?
- What game can be played using trees?
- What can be made from the wood of trees?
- What season has cool shade from trees?
5-Mark Questions
- List all the things trees are used for in the poem.
- Why is the poem built as a list?
- How does the poem show that trees are generous?
- What would the world be like without trees?
8. Self-Test
Q1. What can you make in a tree? A1. A tree house.
Q2. What gets caught in trees? A2. Kites.
Q3. What can you have under a tree? A3. Tea parties.
Q4. What birds sit in trees? A4. Owls.
Q5. What are trees used to make? A5. Houses and tables.
Summary
- The poem lists all the wonderful things trees provide.
- Trees are for birds to sing, owls to sit, and children to play.
- Trees give us shade, fruit, wood, and a place for swings.
- Trees are used in games like Hide and Seek and for kite flying.
- The poem is a simple celebration of trees and their generosity.
- It reminds us to appreciate and protect trees.
