Early Bird Gets the Worm

Design a decorative 3-D mask honoring a local bird.

• 1.

  In temperate climates, spring arrives each year with a large assortment of birds. Find out which colorful species are native to your area. Watch them as they search for food and prepare their nests. Make a list of the birds you see with a Crayola® Fine Tip Marker, and note the date. Sketch the birds you see. Some bird watchers keep journals year to year, and can predict the changing seasons by the arrival of key species.

• 2.

  To create a decorative bird mask of a local bird, begin by making a round mound of recycled newspaper that is as large as your face. Use masking tape to hold the mound's shape.

• 3.

  Flatten Crayola Model Magic in your hands until it is about 1/2 inch (2 cm) thick and large enough to cover your newspaper base. Mold it to the base. Create a beak, eyes, and other features by adding Model Magic to your bird mask. Dry.

• 4.

  Cover a table top with recycled newspaper. Paint your mask with Crayola Washable Paints and Brushes. Dry.

• 5.

  Attach beads, sequins, or other decorative items with Crayola School Glue. Rubber bands make great worms!

Benefits

• Children identify natural changes in the seasons in temperate climates.
• Students research birds that are native to their area, including those that migrate.
• Children represent a bird of their choice by making a decorative 3-dimensional mask of its face.

Adaptations

• Design a wearable mask by adding eye holes and attaching yarn or elastic to the back.
• Create 3-D models of other animals that you see in the spring. Paint them and use Crayola Crayons to draw an environment for them.
• Invite an ornithologist or amateur bird watcher to share journals, photographs, and other information about birds in your area, or another part of the world. Go on a bird watch together to a natural habitat.