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| This is Birdman interviewing one of the kindergarten girls. The kids warmed up to the camera much quicker than their teacher did. |
On Monday morning, Birdman met the kindergarten students for the first time and after they got acquainted we all got into the van and headed to the refuge for the kids' first birding trip out of town. On the way we stopped to check out the Western Meadowlarks in a field and for some kids it is the first time they'd seen one. Then we made another stop to scope some Bald Eagles out on the ice.
When we got to the refuge we drove slowly down the dike looking at the birds. I heard several students shouting out, "Life bird!" I was surprised at how the kids could identify flying ducks when they'd only seen the photos in my bird slide show. Tim was teaching the kids about birds and birding all along the way. We discussed bird behavior, field marks and how to use binoculars. He and Jason were both great with the kids and very good role models for them as well. We all got along so well!
Then we headed to the trail and we were surprised at all of the birds in the sky, along the shoreline, and in the trees. There were many Bald Eagles and they are always a treat to see. Along the trail the kids enjoyed picking up feathers and guessing what birds they were from. They liked the cattails and many other things along the way. Kids just naturally love nature! That is something that I have observed throughout my years of teaching.
After hours of begging it was finally time for the picnic. Kids love picnics and we had a great time visiting and eating our lunch outdoors!
Next we headed into the refuge headquarters and the room was filled with excitement as the kids were admiring the bird mounts and naming them. Once again there was more teaching going on from Mike the refuge leader, Tim, Jason and I. Before we left each child was given a bird poster to take home as a souvenir.
On our way back to school, the teaching continued. When we got back to school there was more filming to be done and since I was involved in it, I forgot to take photos. We did open our packages of books that we received from the Donor's Choose project I wrote up. The kids loved the bird books! You will have to ask your child about what we did for the rest of the time and see what they have to say. It was great fun!
On Tuesday morning we had the Chickadee Bird Club meeting with the first graders. Today's lesson was on the Greater Prairie Chicken, which Mr. Barksdale is an expert on.
Then I taught lessons in the lunchroom while the interviewing was going on in our room. He interviewed every kindergarten child and many of the first graders until the early dismissal due to the snowstorm.
It was a wonderful two days and I think the kids will agree with me that we were sad to have them leave. The kids were amazing! They stepped up and really came through. They were also well-behaved and on task. I was very proud of them! Our eyes were opened up to what it is like to create a TV show. They especially learned SO much about birds, birding, ecology, and conservation. This "life-long learner" also learned a few things herself.
We also made two new friends that we will keep in touch with periodically. Birdman said that he will return in the fall to film the incoming kindergarteners when they first begin to learn about birds. This will complete his vision of what he is looking for. Then we will wait and see how it all comes together!
