Dr. Emily AronoffSuper Silly Tree Animal Early Childhood Movement Song
Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, is a perfect time to engage children in creative, meaningful, and fun activities that connect them to nature. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this special holiday is through music. Enter the my Tree Animal Song—a playful, educational song that introduces children to the idea of trees as homes for various animals.
What is Tu Bishvat? A Celebration of Trees and Nature
Tu Bishvat is all about celebrating trees and the vital role they play in our world. Traditionally, it’s a time for planting trees, enjoying fruits of the land, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment and the land of Israel. For children, Tu Bishvat can be an opportunity to cultivate appreciation for nature in ways that are accessible, interactive, and joyful.
Music is a natural fit for this holiday. Through songs, kids can learn about the importance of trees while engaging their imaginations and having fun. This playful and interactive song is a perfect way to teach children about the animals that live in trees while inviting them to use their imaginations and voices in fun, engaging ways.
Why Teach Kids About Tu Bishvat Through Song?
The Super Silly Tree Animal Song introduces children to the animals that call trees home. Each verse highlights a different animal, encouraging kids to mimic their sounds and movements. This kind of vocal play is fantastic for verbal development, helping children explore the range of their voices, improve articulation, and experiment with sound production.
Musically, these playful animal sounds help develop pitch awareness, rhythm, and dynamic control, all of which build foundational skills for future musical growth. Plus, the physical movements that accompany each verse enhance coordination and body awareness.
How the Super Silly Tree Animal Song Works:
The Super Silly Tree Animal Song is a fun and interactive zipper song, where each verse highlights a different tree-dwelling animal. A zipper song allows new elements to “zip” into the framework of the song, keeping it fresh and engaging.
In each verse, an animal is introduced, and children are invited to mimic both its sound and movement. This structure encourages creativity and active participation while building verbal, musical, and physical skills.
Tree Animal Sound & Movement Ideas
| Animal | Sound | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Owl | whooo-hoo | Soar |
| Monkey | “ooh ooh ah ah” | Jump & swing arms |
| Bird | chirp | Fly |
| Squirrel | “chitter chitter” | scurry |
| Woodpecker | “tap tap tap” | peck |
| Bat | high-pitched squeaks | glide |
| Bees | buzz | Buzz/fly/flap |
| Caterpillar | silent or imagined as munching leaves (“nom nom”) | crawl (or inch along) |
| Cricket | “chirp chirp chirp” | hop |
| Parrot | squawk and mimic words or whistles | squawk |
| Chipmunk | “chip chip” | dart |
| Butterfly | silent but can inspire gentle ‘whooshing’ movements | flutter |
| Opossum | soft hissing noises | Go upside down |
| Tree Frog | “ribbit ribbit” | jump |
Making the Song Interactive with Visuals and Props
To make the song even more engaging, you can use visuals like puppets, stuffed animals, or a printable prop I’ve created featuring images of tree-dwelling animals. These visual aids not only enhance engagement but also reinforce the connection between trees and the creatures that depend on them.
The Benefits of Vocal Play and Musically Coordinated Movements
Singing my Tree Animal Song isn’t “just” fun—it’s packed with developmental benefits:
- Verbal Development: Mimicking animal sounds encourages children to explore different vocal ranges, pitch changes, and sound patterns. This kind of vocal experimentation strengthens articulation and helps children become more comfortable using their voices expressively.
- Musical Development: Imitating sounds like a high-pitched chirping bird or a deep, growling bear helps children practice pitch matching, dynamic range, and rhythmic timing. These are key skills for early music education.
- Physical Development: Moving like animals—flapping wings, climbing like monkeys, or stretching like a sloth—builds gross motor skills, coordination, and body awareness while keeping kids active and engaged.
Download Tree Animal Song Lead Sheet
Celebrate Trees
Tree Animal Song Lyrics
Chorus:
OOOOOOH! <-critical component- sing it until everyone joins you to re-establish order after kids are excited from moving around after each verse
Who do you know, who do you know who might live in a tree?
There are so many different kinds of tree home families!
Verses:
*this is a zipper song, so you can use any animal you like!*
This animal is a ___________ <—-kids identify animal- show picture, puppet, plush…
and it makes this kind of sound__________ <—-kids make sound
and when the _____ <——- kids say name of animal again
moves, here is how they move around:____________ <—— kids identify/demonstrate motion
Connecting Big Ideas to the Song
This song can go beyond silliness to introduce children to important concepts about nature and ecosystems. Trees provide homes for countless creatures, and through this song, kids can begin to see trees as vibrant, life-sustaining environments.
Take a moment after singing to talk about the importance of preserving habitats and caring for our planet. Even playful activities like this can spark meaningful conversations about environmental responsibility.
Ready to make Tu Bishvat Unforgettable? 🌳🎶
Join Songleading for Kiddos: Tu Bishvat — the ultimate online course for Jewish educators, Songleaders, and Community leaders! 
What you’ll get:
14 amazing songs — from timeless favorites to interactive originals. Creative strategies for teaching Jewish values through music and movement. Tips for adapting materials for all ages and abilities. Hands-on ideas to spark joy and connection.
Discover Tu Bishvat Songs for Kiddos and More!
Looking for ways to bring the spirit of Tu Bishvat alive for your family or community? 🌳🎶
Check out these resources to make your celebration meaningful and fun:
- “Happy Birthday, Trees! (Tapping Stick Song)”: A simple tapping stick song perfect for kids, babies, and toddlers. It’s a fun and interactive way to share the joy of Tu Bishvat!
- “10 Tu Bishvat Songs for Kiddos”: Featuring fun and engaging songs, plus Songleader Guide, to teach little ones about this beautiful holiday. Perfect for singing together at home, in the classroom, or during a celebration.
- Spotify Playlist: “Tu Bishvat Song for Kiddos”: A curated mix of uplifting melodies and meaningful lyrics that celebrate trees, nature, and the environment.
PJ Library’s Tu B’shevat’s Hub
Check it out now and let the music guide you through this special time of year!
