Guest Post: Fun Hands On Science for Toddlers- Making a Bird Feeder

Toddlers are curious by nature and are like little sponges that will absorb everything they see and hear. They love to explore by touching, tasting, smelling, watching and hearing. Understanding scientific concepts begin in infancy with our senses.

We begin to observe the environment around us very early, so it is never to early to begin teaching your child! Using fun hands on activities to engage your child is key in encouraging a growth in exploration and knowledge.

What you need:

• pine cone
• peanut butter
• bird seed
• popsicle stick (for spreading peanut butter)
• string or yarn

Feeding the Birds Your little one will have fun making this special treat for the birds and then watching the birds enjoy it. If you do not have a pine tree in your own yard, go for a walk around the neighborhood or go to a park nearby.

Instructions:
1. Choose a pine cone that does not have sharp points that will poke little hands.
2. At home put peanut butter on a paper plate or in a bowl.
3. Show your child how to spread the peanut butter on the pine cone using a popsicle stick. Let your child finish the project. It is okay if it gets messy.
4. While your child is working pour birdseed into a bowl. When the pine cone is completely covered let your child roll the pine cone in the bowl of birdseed. Get as much birdseed on the pine cone as will stick.
5. Tie a string to the top of the pine cone.
6. Take your child outside and look for the perfect tree limb, preferably one that can be seen from a window in the house. Hang the pine cone in the tree and observe the different birds that come to enjoy the tasty treat your little one made for them!

The bird feeder activity enhances the touch and sight senses in a fun way that your child will love!


By Robin Greene, a kindergarten teacher and freelance writer for My Baby Clothes dot com. They strive to provide the best in baby clothes, tutus and baby headbands for parents and their little ones.