Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Begin by discussing birds and their role in the garden ecosystem. Explain that birds help plants by eating pests and spreading seeds. Tell children they will create special feeders to invite birds to visit. Prepare the coating mixture by combining half a cup of vegetable shortening or peanut butter with two and a half cups of cornmeal or uncooked oats and a generous amount of bird seeds. Pre-tie string securely to each pine cone. Demonstrate how to press the mixture into the spaces between pine cone scales, ensuring good coverage. Guide children to coat their pine cones thoroughly, using fingers or plastic spoons. If possible, hang some feeders on trees within school grounds and establish a quiet observation routine. Otherwise, place feeders carefully in zip lock bags for children to take home. Over subsequent days, facilitate discussions where children share their observations about bird visitors, what birds they saw, and how the birds used the feeders.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Flowers and Plants
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Materials
- Large, open pine cones
- Vegetable shortening or peanut butter
- Cornmeal or uncooked oats
- Bird seeds
- String
- Zip lock bags
Instructions
Begin by discussing birds and their role in the garden ecosystem. Explain that birds help plants by eating pests and spreading seeds. Tell children they will create special feeders to invite birds to visit.
Prepare the coating mixture by combining half a cup of vegetable shortening or peanut butter with two and a half cups of cornmeal or uncooked oats and a generous amount of bird seeds. Pre-tie string securely to each pine cone.
Demonstrate how to press the mixture into the spaces between pine cone scales, ensuring good coverage. Guide children to coat their pine cones thoroughly, using fingers or plastic spoons.
If possible, hang some feeders on trees within school grounds and establish a quiet observation routine. Otherwise, place feeders carefully in zip lock bags for children to take home. Over subsequent days, facilitate discussions where children share their observations about bird visitors, what birds they saw, and how the birds used the feeders.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's active participation in creating their bird feeder and their engagement in discussing observations.