On January 14th, the “Bird’s Net Building One-Day Camp” was held at Joy Valley. Children once again immersed themselves in nature, having more opportunities to learn independently and actively engage in nature-inspired crafts.
Observing Bird Nests in the Nature
Under the guidance of the course mentor, the children observed swallow nests under the eaves and grass-made bird nests on trees.
Through the mentor’s explanations, the children learned a lot about bird nests: What materials are used to build bird nests? Why are some bird nests simple while others are “luxurious”? Why are some bird nests built on trees while others are built under eaves? Why don’t bird nests built on trees get blown away by the wind?
The children eagerly asked questions, and the mentor patiently answered. In nature, everything is tangible and visible, not just cold words and pictures on PowerPoint slides. The children approached with curiosity, exploring, discovering, and absorbing knowledge.
Do It Yourself – Build the Bird Nest
The children were divided into groups and used different materials to build bird nests. Some used wooden boards, some used mud and dry grass, and others used wild vines and tree leaves. Working together, they used their hands and minds, assisting each other from structural design and material collection to measuring dimensions and hands-on construction. With effective and feasible methods, they completed variously shaped bird nests within a short period of time.
This is the result of the children’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge!
Fun Interactive Activity: Egg Relay Race
The children are divided into groups to participate in the Egg Relay Race, using small nets to safely transport the eggs “back to the nest.” The competition is not only about speed but also about patience and skill.
Write Nature Notes
Using colorful pens to record vibrant emotions and experiences, the children enthusiastically jot down their learnings and reflect on their day’s discoveries. Their nature notes are filled with a variety of intriguing thoughts, and their creativity flourishes as they express themselves through their writing.
Achievements
After a day of engaging lessons and activities, the children are filled with a sense of accomplishment. They proudly hold up their certificates, capturing a photo with their creative achievements, and leaving behind cherished memories.
Words from the Mentor
The course provided children with a vibrant environment for their growth, where they engaged in silent conversations with peers, trees, grass, insects, and birds. They instinctively felt a sense of belonging to the larger community of life in nature.
Experiences in nature and environmental education have taught us:
🔹 Natural environments can stimulate children’s curiosity and desire for exploration while providing a space for relaxation and stress reduction.
🔹 Natural environments are ideal places for learning and practicing scientific observation, experimentation, and help children develop their powers of observation and problem-solving skills.
🔹 Outdoor activities encourage physical movement, contributing to improving children’s physical fitness, coordination, and hand-eye coordination.
🔹 Team activities and games in nature can enhance children’s cooperation and communication skills.
