Almost every child is captivated by the wonders of nature and all of its creatures. Whether it be butterflies in the summer or animals at the zoo, kids are generally drawn to wildlife. Think about how excited your child will be to watch birds flock to his very own homemade bird feeder. By employing some imagination and recycling a milk carton, you can help your child create a bird's paradise and together you can both take part in watching the birds make use of your creation.
This project will not only demonstrate to your child the importance of recycling and how to contribute to a better environment, but will also improve his fine motor skills.
What You Need:
- Half gallon milk carton, washed and dried
- Construction paper in a variety of colors
- Hot glue or rubber cement
- Colored markers or crayons
- String
- Scissors
- Popsicle stick
- Exacto knife
- Bird seed
What to Do:
- Help your child cover each surface of the container with construction paper. Help him trace the outline of the rectangular sides onto the paper and help him cut along the lines.
- Once he has cut out each appropriately sized piece of paper, help him paste or glue the paper onto the milk carton and then let it dry.
- Once the glue has dried, encourage your child to use markers or crayons to decorate the outside of the bird feeder. If your child wishes, he can also cut out pictures from magazines and glue those on.
- After the outside of the bird feeder has been decorated, use the exacto knife to cut a 2"x2" square in the front of the bird feeder, about 3" above the bottom of the carton.
- Carefully use some hot glue and affix the popsicle stick to the bottom of the carton, directly below the square. This will be the perch for the birds to stand on when they come to the feeder.
- Next, poke a hole in the top of the container, and then help your child tie a loop of string through the hole to hang the bird house.
- Once this has been done, you are ready to fill the feeder with bird seed. JHelp your child gently pour some bird seed into the bottom of the feeder through the hole that has been cut.
- With your child, decide on the best spot to hang the bird feeder.
Together, you two can delight in watching many different birds come to your custom bird house. Check out a bird book from the library and try to identify each breed you see. Ask your child if he thinks he recognizes the same birds coming every day, or if there are different ones.
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