Introduction:
The almond tree is the first to bloom in Israel in the spring. It's Hebrew name is "Shkeidiyah." It is so beautiful, we tell this story: A man walked by an almond tree and said, "Almond tree, speak to me of God," and the tree blossomed. (Story attributed to N. Kazantazakis)
When Lisa L. sings this song with her preschool students, she often asks the trick question, "What is the seed of an almond tree?" This often triggers a discussion about seeds, planting, comparisons, etc. After they sing about the almond tree, Lisa asks her students to think about other types of trees that we could sing about in the song. They then sing the song about peach, lemon and other types of trees.--Lollipop trees are very popular.
Lyrics:
Ani Notea Shkeidiya
Shkeidia yafah, yafah.
Ani Notea Shkeidiya
Shkeidiya yafah.
Oh, I will plant an almond tree. (peach tree, lemon tree, etc.)
A pretty, pretty almond tree.
Come and won't you plant with me,
A pretty almond tree.