Dr. Emily AronoffWhat is Tu Bishvat? A Celebration of Trees and Nature
Celebrate Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for Trees, with a joyful song and hands-on rhythm stick activities! Using rhythm sticks—also called tapping sticks or lummi sticks—children can tap, roll, and explore rhythms while singing “Happy Birthday, Trees.” Rhythm sticks are a fun and engaging way to develop auditory and kinesthetic skills, build musical understanding, and enhance coordination. In this blog, you’ll learn how to teach a Tu Bishvat song for kids, pair it with movement activities, and create meaningful experiences for young learners and families.
“Happy Birthday, Trees!” is a simple zipper song using tapping sticks to involve young children in a musical celebration of Tu Bishvat, the Jewish holiday that celebrates trees!
This is a zipper song so you can make it your own and move however you see fit- model movements, ask kiddos for suggestions- feel free to get creative.
I like these 6 inch (short, fat) lummi sticks for little ones- less likely to be able to reach far enough to poke another kid in the eye- but please be aware that kiddos will need supervision upon distribution!
Why Teach Kids About Tu Bishvat Through Music?
Rhythm sticks—also known as tapping sticks or lummi sticks—are often made of wood, making them a tactile way to connect children to the gifts of trees during Tu Bishvat. By using rhythm sticks, kids can explore the sounds and rhythms that celebrate the Jewish New Year for Trees while physically engaging with an item that comes directly from nature. This hands-on activity not only helps develop auditory and kinesthetic skills but also deepens their appreciation for the role of trees in our lives. Pairing rhythm sticks with the “Happy Birthday, Trees” song creates a meaningful and joyful connection to the holiday’s themes of growth and gratitude.
Build Coordination and Motor Skills with Rhythm Sticks
Tapping, banging, crossing, rolling, marching, and ‘zipping’ sticks are all examples of opportunities for kids to practice, develop, and explore essential skills and grow abilities that will help them write, read, and otherwise function in society.
This is play- AND it is also important work for babies and toddlers.
Movements with Rhythm Sticks to Develop Gross Motor Skills
Bang/drum
March/Pound
Roll
Rub
Hammer
Twist/’Screw’
hit the floor (alternate hands or at the same time- both develop different neurological capacities)
grip one stick in each hand and tap one end on the floor.
same motion, except on the floor (kids can ‘roll’ their bodies, too- my toddlers watch my husband use his foam roller after workouts so they love to mimic him with these)
hold both sticks in the palm of your hands and use both hands to roll them back and forth.
hold one stick vertically and the other horizontally and tap like you are hammering a nail.
Vertically align sticks up on top of one another, make circular motion while maintaining contact (I say twist, because of other connotations of the word, but kids are going to be oblivious to those)
Expand Vocabulary and Skills Through Rhythm Stick Activities
- high/low
- fast/slow
- hard/soft
- stop/go
WOAH- Did you know you could accomplish SO much with some sticks, a song, and a little inspiration for Jewish text and tradition?
Download Happy Birthday Trees
Tapping sticks to Celebrate Tu Bishvat
Meaningful Tu Bishvat Celebrations with Songs and Stories
I love to read Inch by Inch– an illustrated version of The Garden Song by Pete Seeger and There Was A Tree which is a beautifully illustrated version of The Green Grass Grows All Around rhyme (which is a great way to practice sequencing and recall with your littles, too!) 
Tu Bishvat Song for Kids: Sing ‘Happy Birthday, Trees
Note: these can change with each verse!
Happy Birthday to the trees, thanks for so many things
Your wood gave us these tapping sticks, so now we tap and sing
La la la la la la la, we like the trees a lot!
La la la la la la la, happy Tu Bishvat!
Happy Birthday to the trees, Thanks for so many things
Your wood gave us these tapping sticks, so now we roll and sing
La la la la la la la, we like the trees a lot!
La la la la la la la, happy Tu Bishvat!
Etc….
hammer and…
march hand…
bang and….
…very fast….vey slow….while we roll…while we bang!
Laurie Berkner’s ‘One Seed’: A Perfect Tu Bishvat Song
Laurie Berkner’s echo song, One Seed, with movements- is always popular because it doesn’t require a ‘teach’- kids and families are immediately able to participate in the tune.
Pairing Honi the Circle Maker with Tu Bishvat Songs
BimBam has done a fantastic job of sharing it through animation in a way that captivates and communicates multi layered messages of this classic Jewish folk tale to viewers of many ages and stages.
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.
Tips for Teaching Tu Bishvat Songs to Young Kids
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:
- “Tree Animal Song”: A simple and fun song perfect for kids, babies, and toddlers. It’s a creative way to share the joy of Tu Bishvat while learning about animals and trees- with printable props!
- “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 Songs for Kiddos”: A curated mix of uplifting melodies and meaningful lyrics that celebrate trees, nature, and the environment.
Head over now and let the music guide you through this special time of year!
