Birds

     Birds were a topic of focus both this and last year at SMART START. Last Spring, students learned about the general characteristics and habits of the animal. This Fall, we specifically highlighted the owl species.  Fly along with our young learners to read all about birds!      Our flock gathered in the outdoor classroom to hear stories and acquire bird/owl knowledge. Learning in nature enhances educational experiences and provides children with an exorbitant amount of benefits such as heightened sensory experiences, mental and physical well-being, better performance in academic subjects, and so much more!

      Peers paired up to ponder at our themed display. Related reading materials and props were displayed. During this time, a great amount of information was gained regarding the subject matter. Here are some facts we learned:
Birds: 

• There are about 10,000 species of birds
• Birds are the only animals with feathers
• All birds lay eggs and most live in nests
• The study of birds is called ornithology
• Birds can be kept as pets (Just like our school chickens and ducks!)

Owls: 

• A group of owls is called a parliament 
• Owls are carnivores and hunt for their meals 
• Most owls are nocturnal 
• They can turn their heads practically all the way around 
• Owls have excellent hearing  

     

     Last year, edible birds nests were constructed. This hands-on activity consisted of molding a rice Krispies treat into the shape of a nest then adding M&Ms as eggs.       This year, creative classmates colored an owl magnet. All practiced holding their markers, crayons and pencils in proper writing position during this craft. 

    

     Feather loving friends headed outdoors to act as blue birds last year. They flew around singing and chirping with delight!       This year, the group took Barny the barn owl and one of his companions outside. All took turns soaring around with the owls, studying a few books and birdwatching.    

  

     Last year, the class migrated to the table to make bird feeders. Each were given half an apple to spread with peanut butter and then sprinkled with bird seed. All were excited to place their treats outside for neighborhood birds to enjoy!      This year, SMART START artists decorated large felt owls. Materials used included glue, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, google eyes, markers and glitter. All were most impressed with their finished product.

     

      Budding bird experts made their very own models of a nest last year using straw and glue. The nests were placed on paper plates and bird figurines were put inside to enjoy their newly assembled home. Tweet, Tweet!      Recently, pupils participated in a cooperative board game called "Hoot Owl Hoot." The object is to fly all of the owl pieces back to their nest before the sun comes up. This activity promoted communicative skills, patience, concentration and teamwork. 

   

    Students studied various bird types last year using posters. Figurines were also available to view during this time. Favorites included: woodpecker, cardinal, blue jay, humming bird and goldfinch. 
     This November, Future ornithologists welcomed Maura from the MA Audubon Ipswich River Sanctuary for an on-site owl field trip. An informative presentation was given which entailed hearing the many noises owls make, locating the parts of an owl and learning the most common owl types. An interactive game was played which involved remaining silent and solely relying on hearing to find prey/ticking timer. The field trip concluded with an owl pellet dissection. Maura explained how owls eat their food whole, keep the nutrients and then vomit up what is not needed in pellet form. All were fascinated by the tiny bones discovered inside the pellet!
     Maura kindly left an additional owl pellet for further exploration. Young scientists put on their lab coats and goggles and were eager to investigate. Fine motor skills were used to dissect. The favorite finding was a mouse skull!

🐦SMART START🐦