The Cardinals took great joy at sharing their Research
Study. The children had chosen a particular species of bird that they wanted to
learn more about and returned to class with their findings. Along with their
results, several of the children created a nest for their bird of study. Quite
a few Cardinals and their families worked together to create the most
outstanding habitat for their bird of choice, an amazing collaborative
experience.
Each Cardinal was eager to share their found facts as well
as the story of all the work that went into the creation of the nests they
crafted. Without any hesitation, each took a turn and stood in front of their
classmates and teachers and communicated their discoveries. Once done, they invited
their audience to ask questions. This active involvement of the speaker
and the listeners fostered a great deal of developments within each child, from
learning how to ask a question or stating a comment to providing a leadership role where their choice and voice was
honored.
Here’s what Audrey taught us...
The Purple Finch
by Audrey Flitter
1) Nests can be 2.5
feet up to 60 feet off the ground and often built under an overhanging branch
for shelter.”
2) The Purple Finch
uses its big beak and tongue to crush seeds and extract the nut. They do a
similar trick to get at nectar without eating an entire flower and also to get
to a seed buried inside a fleshly fruit.
3) The oldest recorded
Purple Finch lived to be 11 years 9 months old
4) It lives in the "forest"
5) It eats "sunflower
seeds.”
When asked Audrey why
she chose this bird her response was, “I studied it because I like the colors
of brown and red.”
The experience of presenting her
homework provided Audrey many great developmental benefits, Literacy,
Cognitive, and Social/Emotional. It offered Audrey the opportunity to
understand the difference between a statement and a question as well as use
descriptive language, concept thinking, storytelling, and so much more. Overall,
it helped Audrey develop effective communication skills. Also, this opportunity
allowed for Audrey to share her interest which fostered her emotional self.
.JPG)
