Resources needed:

  • Strips of newspaper
  • White glue
  • Thin wire
  • Masking tape
  • Paints
  • Paint brushes.

 

 

 

  1. Ask the children if they can think of any names of birds they might see in their garden (be ready for some surprising answers!) How many of those mentioned have the children seen? What kinds of habitat do they prefer?
  2. Play the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amYUDQDtm9E which shows a lot of the birds which are native to the UK.
  3. Now give the children some paper and a glue and water solution and show them how to make a bird shape by building up the layers in order to model a body, head and beak.

Teaching point: If children struggle, make a bird form for them from a scrunched up paper bag, held in place with masking tape and let them papier-mâché onto that.

  1. Let each layer dry thoroughly before adding the next layer. When the layers are finished and smoothed, allow to dry thoroughly before painting each bird as a different native garden bird. The children may need some pictures as guides to help them correctly paint their birds.
  2. Use the thin wire to make legs for the bird, and stand them on branches or twigs. Alternately, leave the legs off as though the bird is nesting.

 

Further Activities:

Make a fat ball bird feeder for garden birds using lard and bird seed. Either mould into a shape or use an empty yoghurt pot to make a suitable shape. Use string or garden twine to hang it up outside.

Make a class bird feeding station outside the classroom and note which birds seem to prefer which types of food.

Fill in blank bingo cards with a variety of birds and then send them home with the children – they should try to spot the birds at home or when out and about and the first person to bring a completed bingo card (signed by an adult) is the winner.

Draw different feathers in detail with a variety of pencil types and notice the difference between soft, downy feathers and more robust flight feathers.

 

Curriculum Areas covered:

During years 1 and 2, pupils should be taught to use the following practical scientific methods, processes and skills through the teaching of the programme of study content:

  • Observing closely, using simple equipment
  • Identifying and classifying
  • Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions

(Y1) Pupils should be taught to:

  • Identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals

Pupils should be taught:

  • To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products
  • To use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination
  • To develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space