The Treasure Tree is a great book to use in your classroom to teach personality differences and acceptance. I can not express how many times I have referred back to it throughout the year to remind students why individuals do the things they do. Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever, and Beaver take a map and a golden key and embark on a treasure hunt together. To succeed in their quest, each of them must use a special gift. This story will help students learn the value of their unique personalities.
At the beginning of the year, I have a tree in the room with each students name on a heart. Open house is the best opportunity to have the parents complete the survey below. I remind the parents to mark the characteristics that match their child, not what they would like for them to be or what they think I want them to be. Once I have a better idea of each students personality type a create a wall in the back of the room that I refer to throughout the year. I place a picture of the otter, lion, golden retriever, and beaver on all four corners of a tree. I arrange the hearts next to the personality that fits the student. I use the book as a read-aloud the first week of school.
Lion:
1. Is daring and unafraid in new situations.
2. Likes to be a leader. Often tells others how to do things.
3. Ready to take on any kind of challenge.
4. Is firm and serious about what is expected.
5. Makes decisions quickly.
Otter:
1. Talks a lot and tells wild stories.
2. Likes to do all kinds of fun things.
3. Enjoys being in groups. Likes to perform.
4. Full of energy and always eager to play.
5. Always happy and sees the good part of everything.
Golden Retriever:
1. Always loyal and faithful to friends.
2. Listens carefully to others.
3. Likes to help others. Feels sad when others are hurt.
4. Is a peacemaker. Doesn't like it when others argue.
5. Patient and willing to wait for something.
Beaver:
1. Is neat and tidy and notices little details.
2. Sticks with something until it's done.
3. Asks a lot of questions.
4. Likes things done the same way.
5. Tells things just the way they are.
Dear Parents,Here is a small test to take to find out what your child’s personality is . . .Instructions: In each box chose the words that best describe your child’s personality(Not what you want it to be or think that I might like). Double the number of words you chose and record that number.
| Lion | Beaver | ||
| Likes authority Confident Firm Enjoys challenges Problem solver Bold Goal driven Strong willed Self reliant Persistent | Takes charge Determined Enterprising Competitive Productive Purposeful Adventurous Independent Controlling Action oriented | Enjoys instructions Consistent Reserved Practical Factual Perfectionistic Detailed Inquisitive Persistent Sensitive | Accurate Controlled Predictable Orderly Conscientious Discerning Analytical Precise Scheduled Deliberate |
| "Let's do it now!" Double the number chosen:___ | "How was it done in the past?" Double the number chosen:___ | ||
| Otter | Golden Retriever | ||
| Enthusiastic Visionary Energetic Promoter Mixes easily Fun-loving Spontaneous Creative-new ideas Optimistic Infectious laughter | Takes Risks Motivator Very verbal Friendly Enjoys popularity Likes variety Enjoys change Group oriented Initiator Inspirational | Sensitive feelings Calm Non-demanding Avoids confrontations Enjoys routine Warm and relational Adaptable Thoughtful Patient Good listener | Loyal Even keeled Gives in Indecisive Dislikes change Dry humor Sympathetic Nurturing Tolerant Peace maker |
| "Trust me! It'll work out!" Double the number chosen:___ | "Let's keep things the way they are." Double the number chosen:___ | ||