Lesson Plan: "The Rainforest Grew All Around" by Susan K. Mitchell

Objective of lesson plan: Teach children about different components of ecosystems, and particularly rainforests.

Target Age Group: 5-9

1)    Read The Rainforest Grew All Around.  Before reading, ask kids if they know what a habitat or ecosystem is then help them to define it.  A habitat is an area with all the things a particular animal needs to survive (food, shelter, water, and space).  An ecosystem includes all the living and non-living parts of a habitat.  After reading, ask kids what made up the ecosystem in the book.

2)    Bake “Rainforest Cookies”- There is a recipe for these cookies in the back of the book as well as at the end of this lesson plan.  They include ingredients such as bananas, coconut, and different nuts.  While mixing the dough, talk to the kids about all the things that we get from the rainforest.  Mention medicines, foods, and timber. 


3)    Discuss- While the cookies bake, take a short hike to a nearby tree.  When you arrive at the tree, have the kids brainstorm how it is similar to the tree in the book.  List animals (squirrels, birds, etc.) that would live in the tree or rely on it in some way.  Ask what things we might get from this tree.  Ask what would happen if the tree were removed from the ecosystem.  
4)    Eat the “Rainforest Cookies!”

*This lesson plan would also work for The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry



Rainforest Cookie Ingredients

2 to 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 stick butter (1/2 cup), softened

1 medium ripe banana

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

¼ cup sweetened coconut flakes

4 cups (12 oz) chocolate chips

1 cup chopped cashews

Rainforest Cookie Directions

Preheat oven to 375º F.

Combine 2 cups flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon and set aside.

Beat butter, banana, and sugars until creamy.

Beat in eggs and then add the coconut flakes.

Gradually add flour mixture using extra flour if needed.

Stir in the chocolate chips and cashews.

Drop by rounded tablespoon onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.