The Chickadee is a very bold, brave and inquisitive little bird. We are so like our name-sake who are active in woodland areas all winter long, resourceful in their hunt for food, and ready to protect their territory.
Today was all about winter birds, feeling the positive energy of these wild winged creatures, learning to pay attention to unique features such as body and tail shape, markings, and flight patterns. Ask your child to mimic the calls and flight patterns of the birds we studied today (Blue Jay, Chickadee, Cardinal, Woodpecker). The BIG idea for children is that we can become experts in identification with practice and patience. Watch as the weeks unfold at winter nature school and see your child looking up and around for life in flight.
Our morning meet and greet included a game of cat and bird. Check in about which bird your child chose to be and how successful they were at finding food in winter. What is the biggest danger to our songbirds here in Canada? It might not be what you think!
Off on the trails with a quick snack at Pine Haven and some time to hang out with friends. Tree climbing is a new favourite challenge, we are learning to stretch our limits while checking in to our personal risk barometer. Great self-check questions are: does this feel safe?, should I stop and think about this?, or what is the next best step now? Your child is learning to manage personal risk and help to support others in taking reasonable risks.
Finding soft places to tuck in seeds on woodpecker trees and in the sunken tread bark of the walnut tree is a fun way to help birds during the lean winter months. Do you have a way you can help our winter animal residents survive the cold?
We learn through role play. Ask your child to take flight and make a bird call to share their knowledge. We used coloured bandannas to identify the different winter birds in Ontario. What species of bird was matching the blue, red, black and white and why? Can you research another Ontario winter bird to find out their special calls or songs, feeding habits, ways they fly and protect their territory.
Our wander time at Raspberry Hill and Backwoods Circle must be seen to be appreciated. Chat about what things your child was up to beside the creek and on the rapidly disappearing snow hill.
Lunch around the fire is warm but can be smoky. We had help starting the fire. See if your child helped set up the fire. What do they know about how to build a fire that lights every time!
The hayloft is a great spot to climb and hang with friends. We also love this spot to share our amazing stories. See if you can get a retell on Jane Yolen’s beautiful new picture book, “Love Birds”. It’s a bird themed Romeo and Juliet, and so worth a second read.
Our journal is a tool to help us remember. Take a tour through the journal entry today. Here are some guiding questions about the Chickadee…
*What shape is their nest and how many eggs do they lay?
*How do Chickadees react to intruders?
*Where do Chickadees like to feed?
*Tell me about their alarm call.
In addition your child should be able to tell you about…
*the difference between a male and female cardinal
*a funny bird that likes to be upside down (Nuthatch)
*one that wears a black hoodie (Hooded Junco)
Wild bird bingo is our new favourite game. We love bingo dabbers!!
New chores today should lead to some well-muscled stories. See what responsibilities were on your child’s plate today. What’s a chore wish for next week?
Until next week, fly high our forest friends! Daisy and Coyote are always chomping at the bit to see you again:)
Comments