Seeing the Trees from the Forest

To Declan, this beautiful creation was a simple forest with a pond. But, to me, this simple exercise in building demonstrated his understanding of a deciduous forest's habitat and the importance of trees. With prompting, Declan discussed the plants and animals that live in his forest, which also happen to be the same plants and animals that live in the deciduous forests that he often has the occasion to investigate.

-Tell me about your forest Declan: "My forest has bears, ducks, rabbits, foxes, deers, skunks, and frogs. There are maple trees and oak trees here. There are also those trees with the spikes. What do you call them?...oh, pine trees. There is a pond for the frogs and ducks to swim in. The bear, fox, and deer might want to take a little drink there or clean themselves up." 

-And what are the knights doing in your forest Declan?: "The knights are protecting the trees Mommy. The trees are our friends. They give us wood and homes. They give animals homes too. The knights don't want anyone to cut the trees down. They will protect the trees and fight the bad guys."