RSPB Birdwatch

Lesson: Learning Outside the Classroom

Class: Year 3 Year: 2016 - 2017

One sunny afternoon,, Y3 had the pleasure of spotting a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the Hobbit Hole. The children quickly decided to Tweet this news and to use the WWW to research the bird. The children wanted to know what they could to do to encourage return visits and quickly found out one of its favourite foods- suet. 

The news quickly spread and soon some of our Reception children were fascinated by this secretive, shy bird that was photographed on a tree in their area. The children also researched the species of bird and the two classes quickly hatched a plan. 

Year 3 used the RSPB website for tips and came across Pine Cone bird feeders, that required suet as a main ingredient. They approached Reception and asked if they would like to help, to hopefully encourage the Woodpecker to return, and the shopping list was drawn up.

Monday morning came and the children put the plan into action. What team work from both classes! Year 3 assisted with the measuring and quartering of ingredients and all the children used their hands to get stuck in!

We used this as a wonderful writing opportunity and Year 3 wrote instructions, specifically for younger children to follow. They ensured that they included clear, precise step by step instructions.

The next job was to keep an eye on the area and to record the birds that came to feast on our treats. We signed up for the RSPB bird watch and discovered that the Starling was the most popular visitor to our school grounds.

Lets hope that the Great Spotted Woodpecker is spotted again soon!