Which season is best for this activity?
This activity could easily be done at any time of year, as most of our native birds in the park don’t head south in winter, they stay here. Birds adapt to the different seasons, which will affect what we see on the day.
This activity encourages children to identify birds in their natural environment
Learning objectives and links to the National Curriculum of Study
The session links directly to the National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study (animals, including humans and living things and their habitats) for Key Stage 1 and 2. (https://bit.ly/3GlgU58). All our sessions are underpinned by detailed lesson plans. These plans are adjusted to take account of the variations in ability and skill level across the Key Stages.
Pupils should be taught to work scientifically by:
- Asking questions and using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
- Identifying and classifying
- Gathering and recording data
- Observing closely using simple equipment
Outline of the activity
1. Look at pictures of common birds. Look at some of their physical characteristics, how they have adapted to suit their diet and environment e.g. plumage of male and female birds; Duck feet vs Robin feet; bill shape to suit diet.
2. Thinking about what birds eat
3. Observe and identify common birds using our bird feeding station. Record data on species seen, this data can be taken back to school
4. Make bird feeders to take back to school, to use back at school and reinforce this learning.
This is also an excellent sensory activity for children with special needs. We use feathers and nesting material to explore touch, bird song to stimulate hearing and activities around our bird feeders to see the birds.
Ideas for pre-visit learning
Before bringing a group to do this activity, here are a few ideas to help introduce the topic of birds:
- Ask the children to talk about what they know about birds
- Do any of them have bird feeders in their garden?
- Does anyone have a nest box in their garden?
- Do they know the names of any common birds?
- What do birds eat?
- Do you see any birds from your classroom window?
Ideas for follow up work back at school.
- Draw up a data record sheet for the birds seen on the day.
- Look up the birds that were seen and draw one or two of them.
- Put up the feeders you made and record the birds that visit the feeders. This data can be put into bar or pie charts.
An excellent fun packed session with lots of good activities - the staff were great with the children
