A lot of creativity came out when people found themselves under the #StayAtHome order from the #coronavirus pandemic. Imagination is key when limited on where you can be. Families got creative in how they spent their time. I read a newspaper article that caught my eye. It noted that bird-watching was taking flight!
I love watching birds! Whether they bathe in my water fountain or dine via the bird feeders or build nests in and amongst the plants in my yard, I am fascinated by birds. I think it’s awesome people are helping to track different bird species. Hopefully the information should help safeguard birds and their habitats.
Bird-watching is a family-friendly hobby. Recall kiddos learn via their senses so highlight that with bird-watching! Suggest they use their ears to listen for birds. Soon they’ll be able to distinguish between different types; perhaps between male and female. Here are more tips for bird-watching with children from the Audubon Society.
Use BIRDS as a theme for additional, hands-on activities. Parents you may need to set up some of the things ahead of time OR just allow your child to do it under close supervision. Set an aviary tone with this…
Fingerplay
Five little birds in a nest in a tree (hold up right hand)
Are just hungry as can be.
“Peep”, said baby bird number one, (wiggle one finger)
Mother bird promised she would come.
“Peep, Peep”, said baby bird number two, (wiggle two fingers)
If she doesn’t come what will we do?
“Peep, Peep, Peep”, said baby bird number three, (wiggle three fingers)
I hope she can find this tree.
“Peep, Peep, Peep, Peep”, said baby bird number four, (wiggle four fingers)
She never was so late before.
“Peep, Peep, Peep, Peep, Peep”, said baby bird number five, (wiggle five fingers)
When will our mother bird arrive?
Well, here she comes to feed her family (use left hand as mommy bird)
They’re all as happy as can be!
READ The Hungry Hummingbird by April Pulley Sayre
Enrich the Learning: What is it?
In the science activity below, let your child discover which everyday liquid is an acid. Chemicals can be divided into acids and bases (or alkalis). Acids react with carbonates to release carbon dioxide; a process called effervescence.
Materials Needed:
Ice cube trays
Eye dropper
White Vinegar
Baking soda
Glass jar or clear plastic cup
Spoon
Fruit juices—orange, lemon, apple, tomato
Coffee or Tea
Milk—whole,2 %, nonfat, almond, soy
Water
Soda drink
Instructions:
●To make the carbonate testing solution that will indicate the presence of a an acid, put a teaspoonful or so of baking soda in a glass jar (or plastic cup) ½ filled with water
● Stir a few times to dissolve the baking soda into the water. The clear liquid is the carbonate testing solution.
●Have your child fill the ice cube tray with the various liquids to be tested.
●Using the eye dropper, let your child add a little of the carbonate testing solution to each liquid.
●Observe what happens. Which of the liquids contain acid? Do the various liquids react differently? If so, why could that be the case? (Is one liquid a stronger acid than another? How could that be shown using this test?)
EXTEND the Play & Learning
Try other liquids! How about dish soap or shampoo?
●NOTE: In theory, water is neither an acid nor base—it’s a neutral solution. If it’s neutral, what should or shouldn’t happen?
ENHANCE the Play & Learning
Bringing the life of hummingbirds up close and personal is exciting. The way they hover and seemingly suspend mid-air is magical. Encourage hummingbirds to your yard by adding homemade nectar.
Does your kiddo enjoy seeing different feathers or beaks? Are bird songs what draws their interest? Is it seeing different nests and eggs? There are so many fascinating things to observe and note when bird-watching! Consider downloading the National Audubon Society’s bird-identification app to help with your new hobby.
Yours in PLAY!
Teacher Karen
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