Birdwatching: Fun with Feathered Friends
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about birds and birdwatching.
- Talk about why people like to watch birds.
- Read about a birdwatching adventure.
- Listen to tips for going birdwatching.
- Write about your own birdwatching experience (real or imagined).
Key Words:
- Birdwatching: Going outside to look for birds.
- Binoculars: Special glasses that help you see faraway things more clearly.
- Species: A type of animal, like a robin or a blue jay.
- Habitat: The place where a bird or animal lives.
- Field guide: A book that helps you identify different kinds of birds.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Have you ever seen a bird that you didn’t know the name of?
- What are some interesting things birds can do? (Fly, sing, build nests.)
- Why do you think people like to go birdwatching?
Let’s Read!
Mia loves to go birdwatching. She takes her binoculars and field guide to the forest early in the morning. She likes to see the birds flying around and listen to their songs. One day, she saw a bright red bird with black wings. It was a Scarlet Tanager! Mia was so excited to see this beautiful bird.
Questions About the Reading:
- What did Mia take with her to go birdwatching?
- What kind of bird did she see?
- How did Mia feel about seeing the Scarlet Tanager?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of an expert giving tips for birdwatching. Focus on simple tips like checking the weather, going early in the morning, and being quiet.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a new birdwatcher. The other is an experienced birdwatcher giving advice.
Example:
- New Birdwatcher: “I want to start birdwatching. What should I do?”
- Experienced Birdwatcher: “You should get a pair of binoculars and a field guide. It’s also a good idea to go to a park or forest early in the morning when birds are most active.”
Homework:
Imagine you went birdwatching today. Write a short paragraph about what you saw and heard.
Example:
Today, I went birdwatching in the park. I saw many sparrows and pigeons. I also saw a blue jay and a cardinal. The cardinal was singing a beautiful song. I had so much fun!
Extra Fun:
If you can, go birdwatching! Try to find a quiet place with trees or water. You can use the Merlin Bird ID app to help you identify the birds you see.
