Comments

Amazing! How did the children overcome the bird's fear of humans? We've been feeding birds for years but they don't sit on our heads!

Carole Whitener

Note from the Editor:
Steve, the children’s teacher, told me, “The children did not train the birds; they were taught by the birds.” They learned that if they were quiet and still, the birds would come. In fact, by the time the project was in full swing, the birds would see the children arriving and flock to them!

One key ingredient is snow cover, which forces birds to hunt for food. First, the children made a snowman and dressed it in human clothes. Then, for several weeks, the children spent time daily – always at the same time – quietly sitting in their Nature Preserve. Gradually, the birds came.

Steve emphasized how important it is for children to connect with nature. Whenever they start getting jumpy, he takes his class outside, and they immediately respond to nature and become calm.

What a great issue of Collage! I absolutely loved the birds and children photos and poetry. We have had very very little snow this winter - not enough for a snowman or a fort or sledding!! But your wonderful pictures bring much joy, and I plan to try the colored ice cubes hunt with my granddaughters when I see them. At least THEY have snow in Colorado!! Thanks to Rachel and your staff for a wonderful winter interlude. Warmly, Ann

Ann Clark

Even though snow is rarely seen in our climate - once every 10 - 15 years, your ideas bring out the wonders of nature and how activities can develop from them for any climate. The underlying principle: see the world with thru the eyes of a child!

Lynn Ross

This slideshow is so beautiful. It makes me want to make some birdfeeders with children! Thank you for this. Diane

Diane Bishop

Beautifully depicts the majesty of the outdoors and all of God's creation!

Elaine Siegel

What beautiful slides with the children and birds. Thank you for sharing, Barbara

Barbara Grace

Winter Bird Feeding—I’m so glad you focused on this. May I also add, if you haven’t heard about the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), please check out the website http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The event is Feb. 10-13 and is great for families or even groups of preschools with bird feeders and a little adult help. I have turned lots of people into birdwatchers through this easy and fun event. Many folks will say, “but I don’t know any of the birds!” All I do is ask them if they can identify a cardinal, a blue jay, a crow, a chickadee, a goldfinch, a mourning dove, a pigeon, a mockingbird…..etc.—suddenly they realize they know more than they thought. : )

Laura Kamperman

How truly beautiful is Steve's observation that "The children did not train the birds; they were taught by the birds." In this world where children are rushed through childhood in order to meet some societal agenda it is so important to allow children to be taught by the beautiful world that surrounds them. Patience and careful observation are two skills that precious few of us have cultivated in ourselves or our children. Bravo to Steve who has given these children the gift of discovery.

Eric Gidseg