Tree-House Summer

Topic SentenceLast summer, my friends and I built a tree house in my back yard. We started by designing the tree house. Body SentencesThen we listed materials we needed and found a store that sold building supplies. We took our list and the money we had saved and went shopping. We loaded everything into my dad’s van and headed back. The first thing we had to do was build a frame for the floor of the house. (My mom helped with that.) Next we used a rope to raise all the wood up into the tree. We then carefully nailed the boards to the frame, and we soon had a floor. After that, we added walls and a roof. Ending SentencesWe now had a great place to hang out for the rest of the summer!

How to Build a Tree House

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Beginning ParagraphHave you ever been up in a tree house? A tree house is a kids’ world in the sky. Last summer, Dad and I built a tree house in our back yard. With some lumber and the right tree, you can build your own tree house.

Step 1: Find the Right Tree.

Middle ParagraphsStart by looking for a tree for your tree house. It should be on property that you own. The tree should be big and strong, without a lot of dead branches. Also look for a tree that has branches arranged so that they could hold up a tree house. Get permission before you build anything.

HeadingsStep 2: Plan Your Tree House

Then, plan what kind of tree house you want. Will it have one floor or more? Will it have railings or walls? What kind of roof do you want? Once you get a plan, list the materials you need. Remember tools like a hammer, a drill, and a saw. Ask an adult to take you to a store to buy what you need.

Step 3: Build Your Tree House.

Finally, you are ready to build your tree house. Get an adult to help you, and be safe!

1. ListBuild the floor. Make a square of strong wood like 2 X 6’s. Put more beams in rows 12 inches apart. Then add floorboards and attach the floor to the tree.
2. Build walls or railings. Build them on the ground and lift them with ropes to attach them, or build them in the tree. Connect the walls in corners.
3. Build the roof. A flat roof is easiest to build, but a peaked roof sheds rain better. You can put tar paper and shingles on to finish it.

Ending ParagraphWith a little work, you can build your own tree house. My dad said, "The best part is that we did it together." Become a builder and design your own kids’ world. See you in the trees!