Bird, Bee and Bug Houses: Homes and Habitats for Garden Wildlife
What’s inside...
Bird, Bee and Bug Houses shows children how to support garden wildlife by making sustainable bird, bee and bug houses, as well as how to create habitats through small, achievable projects. Perfect for young naturalists, this beautifully illustrated, accessible guide teaches children the importance of supporting local ecosystems.
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important for birds, bees, and bugs to have their own homes?
What can we do to help create safe habitats for garden wildlife?
How do you think the homes of bees differ from the homes of birds?
What materials would you use to build a bug house?
Which garden wildlife would you most like to observe in their natural habitat and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, encourage your child to think about the importance of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Use the illustrations in the book to help your child visualize different wildlife homes and ask them to describe what they see.
Connect the content of the book to your own garden or nearby parks, discussing any wildlife you might have observed.
After reading, consider building a simple bird or bug house together using recycled materials to reinforce the learning experience.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and curiosity, fostering a positive learning environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The book teaches children about the importance of building homes for garden wildlife, showcasing different habitats like birdhouses, bee hotels, and bug hideaways.
Real-World Application: Children can use this knowledge to help create or maintain safe spaces for wildlife in their own gardens or local communities, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Esther Coombs encourages children to think creatively about using various materials to construct these wildlife homes, which underscores the use of imagination and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these creative problem-solving skills in school projects or other areas of their life where innovation is needed.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The book highlights the responsibility involved in caring for another living creature’s habitat, emphasizing consistent care and monitoring.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of responsibility and continual care, which they can apply to pet care, plant nurturing, or even relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Biodiversity
Explanation: Through the focus on various creatures and their specific habitat needs, children learn about the significance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy environment.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can lead children to be more mindful about protecting different kinds of living organisms and the roles they play in our world.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Building these wildlife homes often requires collaborative efforts, as shown in the story. This can teach children the value of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can employ teamwork in group activities at school, sports teams, or family projects, understanding that combined efforts often yield better results.