LITERACY/LANGUAGE: Bird Study Homework, The Students as Teachers

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 Kaya taught us...

The Cardinal

by Kaya Lewis

1) A Cardinal lays 3 or 4 eggs at one time 

2) A Cardinal is red and its beak is orange

3) Cardinals sing songs that sound like a whistle

4) It lives in "North and South America."

5) It eats "Seeds, fruit, bugs."

When asked why she studied this beautiful bird Kaya responded, “I like Cardinal, and because I'm in the Cardinal's class.”

The experience of presenting her homework provided Kaya many great developmental benefits, Literacy, Cognitive, and Social/Emotional. It offered Kaya 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 Kaya develop effective communication skills. Also, this opportunity allowed for Kaya to share her interest which fostered her emotional self.