Is it cold and snowy where you live? If so, this winter post is for you:
It is another snow day! Seven inches. 13 degrees. I know that isn’t much snow nor is it very cold for some parts of the world. But in our neck of the woods, school has been canceled. Making a bird feeder is perfect way to pass the time on a snowy day.
To make a bird feeder take a quick look around the kitchen and see what you have on hand. This is what I found at our house:
Shriveling oranges, yes, so wasteful. I’m sure you’ve had something shrivel in your fridge too. 😉 Also found, reduced fat peanut butter ‘spread’ that has been in the cabinet a while. We have birdseed and yarn. Look in your fridge and around the house to find ingredients and supplies that will work for you.
Here’s how to make bird feeder with your children:
First cut the oranges or other shriveled fruit in half and ‘drill’ a hole through the center with a knife.
Next, cut a long piece of yarn or string. I started with about 12 inches and by the time I tied the fourth orange half I was using about 2.5 feet. Tie the yarn securely to the orange.
Have your child spread the peanut butter on the orange:
Firmly press bird seeds into the orange. This is such a great sensory activity with many wonderful smells and textures involved:
Finally, tie the strings together and hang them outside.
Not only has your child followed directions, attended to task, and had a super sensory, fine motor experience, you can add literacy, science, and math components as well.
1) Throughout the day observe the birds that are feeding off of the oranges.
2) For preschoolers, make a chart with colors and keep a tally of the different colors of birds that they see. Here is a printable: Counting Color Chart
3) Older children can make a list of the different kinds of birds that they have observed. Younger children can draw pictures of what they see.
4) Use books and the internet to research and identify the names of uncommon species that are observed. All About Birds is another wonderful site for identifying and naming birds.
Have a fun and cozy day together!
