Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Activities
Chirp and Chatter Gathering - Listen to recordings of bird calls and try to imitate the sounds. Discuss what students think the birds might be saying and how they communicate. (30 min)
Bird Call Art - Create visual representations of the bird sounds heard during the Chirp and Chatter Gathering using crayons and paper. Encourage students to express how they feel when they hear different bird calls. (30 min)
Birdwatching Introduction - Learn about different bird species that can be found locally through a virtual visit to a bird sanctuary. Focus on the colors and patterns of birds and how they may relate to their environment. (15 min)
Bird Feeder Crafting - Begin constructing bird feeders using recycled materials. Discuss what materials are suitable and why birds might be attracted to them. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Students mimic bird calls and share their interpretations during the group discussion.
2. Students identify and describe different bird habitats through pictures and videos.
3. Each student creates a decorated bird feeder using recycled materials.
Preparation 1. Gather audio recordings of bird calls from various species.
2. Collect pictures and videos of different bird habitats.
3. Prepare recycled materials such as plastic bottles, milk cartons, paint, and stickers for the bird feeder activity.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Bird Habitat Exploration - Explore different bird habitats using pictures and videos. Discuss what makes each habitat unique and how it supports bird life. (15 min)
Diorama Brainstorming - Introduce the concept of dioramas and brainstorm ideas for creating bird habitat dioramas. Students will choose which habitat they want to create, considering materials they might use. (15 min)
Diorama Crafting Part 1 - Begin constructing the base of the bird habitat dioramas using cardboard and other recycled materials. Encourage students to think about the landscape and features of their chosen habitat. (15 min)
Bird Feeder Observation - Visit the bird feeders created last week and observe any birds that visit. Discuss the types of birds seen and their behaviors. (15 min)
Diorama Crafting Part 2 - Continue working on the bird habitat dioramas, adding details and features that make the habitat realistic. Encourage creativity and attention to detail. (15 min)
Bird Communication Storytime - Create and share short stories about how birds might communicate in their habitats. Focus on imagination and understanding of bird sounds and interactions. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of bird feeders, with each student having crafted their own using recycled materials.
2. A collective 'Bird Call Soundboard' where students have recorded their mimicry attempts.
3. A journal entry or drawing from each student highlighting a bird observed during the virtual visit, noting its call and habitat.
Preparation 1. Gather bird call recordings for the 'Bird Call Exploration' session.
2. Collect and prepare recycled materials such as plastic bottles, milk cartons, and string for the 'Bird Feeder Workshop.'
3. Coordinate with a local bird sanctuary for virtual visit access or recorded video resources.
4. Prepare a safe space for crafting bird feeders, ensuring tools like scissors and glue are available.
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Activities
Bird Habitat Diorama Creation - Begin building dioramas of bird habitats using various materials. Discuss the different elements that make up a bird's habitat and why they are important. (30 min)
Diorama Workshop Day - Present dioramas to small groups for peer feedback. Encourage students to suggest enhancements and discuss what they've learned about bird habitats. (20 min)
Bird Feeder Refinement - Continue working on bird feeders, incorporating feedback from peers and teachers. Discuss how to improve the feeders to attract more birds. (10 min)
Virtual Bird Sanctuary Visit - Participate in a virtual tour of a bird sanctuary, observing different bird species and hearing their calls. Discuss how these birds communicate in their environments. (15 min)
Bird Storytime Preparation - Begin creating stories about birds observed during the sanctuary visit, focusing on their interactions and communication. Share initial ideas with peers. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed bird habitat dioramas reflecting understanding of bird communication and habitats.
2. Documented observations from Bird Habitat Exploration, including descriptions of environments and materials that attract birds.
3. Revised diorama designs incorporating peer feedback, showcasing improved habitat representations.
Preparation 1. Gather cardboard boxes and art supplies such as markers, glue, scissors, and construction paper for diorama creation.
2. Collect natural materials like twigs, leaves, and small stones during the Bird Habitat Exploration activity.
3. Prepare a space for students to work on their dioramas, ensuring easy access to all necessary materials.
4. Organize small groups for peer feedback sessions, ensuring balanced group sizes and varied perspectives.
Week 4
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Activities
Birdwatcher's Picnic Preparation - Discuss the upcoming picnic and exhibition. Review bird stories and art pieces that students will share. Practice communicating and sharing their observations with peers. (30 min)
Bird Habitat Exhibition Setup - Begin arranging the dioramas and art pieces in the classroom for the exhibition. Practice presenting their dioramas to peers, focusing on explaining the habitat features and bird behaviors. (15 min)
Bird Storytime Sharing - Share finalized bird stories with peers, emphasizing the interactions and communication observed in the birds' natural habitats. Encourage students to express their creativity and understanding. (15 min)
Bird Habitat Exhibition and Birdwatcher's Picnic - Host the exhibition in the classroom, presenting dioramas and art to visiting families. Guide birdwatching activities and share bird stories and observations during the picnic. Encourage effective communication and community engagement. (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will complete and present their bird habitat dioramas during the Bird Habitat Exhibition.
2. Students will guide their families in a birdwatching session at the Birdwatcher's Picnic, sharing observations and stories.
3. Students will display their bird-related art projects in the Bird Art Gallery, highlighting their understanding of bird communication and habitats.
4. Students will receive and reflect on feedback from peers, teachers, and family members, incorporating insights into their final presentations.
5. Students will engage in a reflection session, sharing what they learned about birds and how they communicated their findings throughout the project.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for the Birdwatcher's Picnic, including picnic blankets, snacks, and drinks.
2. Coordinate with local park authorities to secure a space for the Birdwatcher's Picnic.
3. Prepare a checklist of birds that might be observed during the birdwatching session.
4. Organize transportation and logistics for students and families to the local park.
5. Finalize the setup for the Bird Art Gallery and Bird Habitat Exhibition, ensuring all student projects are ready for display.
6. Communicate with families to invite them to the Birdwatcher's Picnic and Exhibition Day.
7. Prepare feedback forms for families and community members to provide input on students' presentations.