Lesson Plan: Bird Feeders

Children will create their own bird feeders to hang up at home or outside the classroom.

Chipper Playfully Teaches: Creative Arts, Language Development, Fine Motor Skills

Total Time: Approximately 30 min. plus drying time

What You Need:• Recycled toiler paper roll• Bag of bird seed• Peanut butter• Yarn or String• Hole puncher• Two sticks (optional, chop sticks work)

How to make a Bird Feeder:

1. Ask parents to bring in recycled toilet paper rolls or start collecting your own so there’s enough for everyone.

2. Punch holes on either side of the cardboard and tie yarn or string to it to make a handle.

3. Have children cover the cardboard with peanut butter to act like glue.

4. Pour the bird seed into a bin and have the children roll their toilet paper holders in the bird seed. The birdseed will stick onto the toilet paper. Continue until covered then let dry.

5. Display a feeder outside and each day have the children keep track of how many birds visit the feeder.

For Discussion:

How long will the seeds last? What kinds of birds did you observe? What other foods to birds eat besides seeds? Do the birds feed oneat a time or in pairs, groups?

Variations:

• If there is a peanut allergy in the classroom, opt for soy butter or almond butter. • Glue or even syrup can also be used but the bird will be more attracted to the peanut butter.• Gather sticks before hand or have your students go outside to find two appropriate sized sticks to make perches for the birds. Poke four holes at the bottom of your feeder and insert your sticks or chop sticks into both sides to create a cross through your roll.

Lesson Plan: Bird Feeders