Animal Seed Feeder

LESSON 7

Children foster a connection with nature and the spirit of giving by crafting edible ornaments as gifts for wildlife.

Pinecone Seed Feeder:

Facilitate a reflective discussion on "The Night Tree," guiding children to recall details and encouraging active participation.

Pose open-ended questions about the story and hands-on activity to stimulate critical thinking and engagement.

Clearly explain the purpose of creating edible ornaments as gifts for wildlife, emphasizing the connection between the activity and caring for nature.

Plan and coordinate a nature walk if applicable, enhancing the learning experience by connecting it to the gathering of pinecones.
Guide children in creating pinecone seed feeders, offering clear instructions and demonstrations to ensure a successful and enjoyable crafting experience.

Children listen attentively for items used in decorating the night tree, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills.
Children share and recall specific details about the story, such as using sunflower seeds, millet, and honey for decoration, fostering memory recall.
Children predict which animal will enjoy the sunflower seed decorations, promoting critical thinking.
Children discuss the concept of giving special decorations as gifts for wildlife, nurturing empathy and a sense of generosity toward nature.
Children engage in crafting edible ornaments, developing creativity and fine motor skills.

Collect and Connect

I Heard a Bird Sing

I heard a bird sing in the

Dark of December.

A magical thing,

And sweet to remember.

We are nearer to spring

than we were in September.

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.

-Oliver Herford

Start today's lesson by reflecting on the story, "Night Tree," by Eve Bunting, and your preparations for your own night tree. Turn to the pages where they are decorating their night tree, then encourage your child to listen for the items used for decoration. Let your child share what they remember, and mention that one item was balls of sunflower seeds with millet and honey. Ask your child which animal they think will enjoy the seeds. Explain to your child that these special decorations are gifts for wildlife, and it's a way of sharing and caring for nature during the holiday season. Discuss the joy that comes from giving to others, including the animals in the forest.
Transition to today's activity by expressing that you'll be making similar treats for the animals in your neighborhood or local forest. Together, you'll craft your own edible ornaments to hang on your night tree, spreading holiday cheer to your furry friends.
Work together to create seed ornaments. If you have chosen to make a pinecone seed feeder, follow the steps below to create. It might be helpful to head out on a nature walk at this point in the lesson to find pinecones together.
Pinecone Seed Feeder:

Gather pinecones, ensuring they are clean and dry.
Cut a length of string or yarn, approximately 6-8 inches long. Tie one end securely to the top of the pinecone, creating a loop for hanging.
Using a butter knife, carefully spread peanut butter onto the pinecone. Ensure that you cover the entire surface, getting the peanut butter into the crevices. Or dip the pinecone into a bowl of peanut butter and rotate to cover the pinecone.
Pour birdseed onto a plate or tray, creating an even layer. You can mix different types of birdseed for variety. Roll the peanut butter-covered pinecone in the birdseed, pressing gently to make sure the seeds adhere to the peanut butter.
Your pinecone seed feeders are now ready to hang on outdoor trees or branches.