Begin by arranging the twigs on your tray or cardboard base to form a tree shape with several branching arms. Secure them with glue or tape.
Place cotton pads along the branches to create a canopy of leaves. Encourage kids to layer and overlap them to make the tree look full.
Mix food coloring with water in separate jars to create red, yellow, and green leaf paints.
Using droppers, let children gently squeeze colored water onto the cotton pads. Watch as the colors spread and blend, creating beautiful gradients.
Allow the tree to dry completely. As it dries, talk about how trees grow, adapt, and support life, just like in The Hugging Tree.
