Teach preschoolers how birds protect their young by making a bird's nest.
Nature is an enchanted wonderland for the creative minds of many kids. Preschoolers are full of wonder and curiosity about their surroundings. The outdoors is an excellent learning ground to teach preschoolers about some of nature's animals. Searching for colorful butterflies, interesting insects and bird's nests can connect them with the outdoors. Teach your preschoolers about birds by taking them outside to observe birds and look for materials to build a bird's nest for a school craft project.
Instructions
1. Go outside with your preschoolers. Search for birds and nests. Give each student a small brown bag and show them what to collect for the bird's nest project.
2. Return to the classroom with the natural materials. Give each kid a piece of brown modeling clay. The brown modeling clay is a substitute for mud. Using real mud might cause you to spend a lot of time cleaning up after the project is finished.
3. Demonstrate form the modeling clay into a bowl. Roll the clay into a ball. Flatten the top of the modeling clay a little with your palm. Press your fist into the center of the clay. Use your fingers to smooth and form the shape of the bowl. This is the mold for the bird's nest. Help the students make their own mold with the modeling clay.
4. Use a toothpick to gently write the student's name or initials on the bottom of the bowl.
5. Push pieces of the outdoor materials into the clay mold. You can add twigs, vines, leaves, small sticks and other materials. Show them gently press the materials into the sides of the mold without poking a hole through it. Watch the students as they add materials to their clay mold. Finish the nest by lining the inside with leaves, feathers or moss. After the preschoolers finish, put the nests in an area that is viewable by all students.
