The Bird House

An old favorite made its first appearance in our afternoon class this year. These wood building structures have always been popular. Is it because of their open ended opportunity? Maybe it's the challenge of really having to focus as you connect each piece? Could it be endless potential to build whatever your creative mind desires? Whatever the reason, these small pieces of wood brought together and entire class today!

I am sawing the wood. 

We need to cut it smaller. 

It's a birdhouse, see the windows?

As the building grew taller the challenge to keep it upright grew greater. Slowly, friend by friend walked away. What started as an activity with an entire class became a challenge to be completed by a handful of students. They were committed, they were focused, they had a plan!

Ms. Nicki, you know why it's so tall?

Tell me.

Because there is so many pieces a the bottom. They make it strong.

This is where the birds play. 

When the structure was completed to their satisfaction, I challenged them to create more. What else could they do? What more could they make this massive bird house, which stood taller than most of them?

Challenge accepted. What couldn't they do? It seemed to their minds, there was nothing they couldn't create. 

This is the string, for a bird toy. They can pull or play tug-of-war. 

Our bird testers.

Chirp Chirp - I'm a baby bird!

They were very pleased with the structure thus far. 

First they land here, then they shimmey this way. They grab another thing and shimmey down that! 

Giving Ms. Marty a tour of the bird house. 

We need a fridge to keep the food cold?

Oh, do birds eat cold food?

Well, YA!

Donuts and soup for the birds (kept at an even temp in the bird food cooler.)

As the structure began to lean, I wondered if you would save it? How would you save it? Would it break your heart to see it collapse? Two friends quickly saw the impending crash and came to the rescue. Thank goodness for extra pieces, a few slid in here and a couple more supporting there and VOILA - a leaning but sturdy bird house. I could see the relief and one friend wiped their brow and said Phew, that was a close call.