The Nurturing Nest Academy ~ Christian Child Care & Preschool ~ April 2023   April's Theme - Family and Pets   Week 1 - In the Nest Children are highly motivated to learn about animals, especially ones they see in their backyard. As children learn about animals such as birds, they are engaging in scientific method. Scientific method naturally occurs as children observe birds and ask questions such as "What do woodpeckers eat?" or "How do birds build a nest?" With every observation, there are more questions  for children to inquire about. As children learn about wildlife and their natural environment, they can begin to access their innate curiosity in the world around them. Teachers play an important role by creating learning environments that promote play and exploration in the natural world. Letter: Kk. Phonic Words: kangaroo, kite, key. Basic Concepts: white, hexagon, generous.   Nest Egg Hatchling Bird Food Learning to Fly Week 2 - Bird Parts As children become more observant, they begin to describe and compare elements of their physical world. They start to classify, sort and categorize objects. This process helps them construct knowledge about birds and bird parts. Through activities and discussions, children begin to compare physical features of birds such as the color of their feathers or the shape of their beaks. They start to realize that, like humans, birds are unique. Teachers can help children develop these skills by encouraging children to identify their own body parts then compare them with a bird's. For example, children can be asked to point to a bird's beak in a book then find a part on their body that is similar to a beak. Letter: Mm. Phonic Words: mushroom, mouse, moon.   Head & Beak Body Wing Feet & Claws Tail Week 3 - Tree Birds Birds are all around us, which makes the topic of "birds' exciting for children to learn. It is beneficial for children to have opportunities to explore nature in their own communities because it helps build connections and appreciation of the living things surrounding them. Even though children are young, they are able to understand that, just like us, birds and other living things need a healthy environment in which to live. Teachers can foster these feelings by taking children on nature walks or engaging them in discussions while outdoors. Teachers can prompt children by asking open-ended questions such as, "What do you think those bids are doing?" By learning and understanding what is living in their own back yards, children can grow to have the power and dedication to become an active part of a community. Letter: Xx. Phonic Words: xylophone, x marks the spot, x-ray.   Bluebird Woodpecker Eagle Hummingbird Chickadee Week 4 - Exotic Birds Children can experience and learn about exotic animals even if they can't be observed in their back yards. Through books, technology, dramatic play areas and movement activities, children are able to get a sense of what it would be like to have a penguin or an ostrich in their back yards. By including these types of animals into the curriculum, children build a broader range of knowledge of birds. This knowledge helps children begin to understand that there is much to see and experience outside their own communities. By learning about things that are difficult or impossible to observe in person, children can be inspired to learn about what lives beyond their back yard.  Letter Review: Kk, Mm, Xx. Phonic Words Review: kangaroo, kite, key, mushroom, mouse, moon, xylophone, x marks the spot, x-ray. Basic Concepts Review: white, hexagon, generous.   Ostrich Penguin Blue Crane Peacock Birdwatching To learn more about what we will do in April, please use the buttons on the left.          Copyright - The Nurturing Nest All Rights Reserved