Out and About Bird Spotter
National Trust Out And About Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
The perfect introduction to birdwatching for children aged 8-12! Ideal for any budding birdwatchers, this book encourages children to get outside and spot birds in the wild! It is packed with useful information about how to get started, as well as a comprehensive field guide section full of expert tips on how to identify a species when they're out and about.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite bird that we spotted in the book, and why do you think it interested you?
How do you think the birds feel when they migrate to different places?
If you could be any bird from the book for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do?
Why do you think it's important for us to know about different birds and take care of them?
How do you think the birds in the book are different from the birds we see around our home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child if they know any bird species and discuss their characteristics. Use this knowledge to connect with the birds in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine the sights and sounds described in the book. Ask them to describe what they think a bird’s habitat would look like.
While reading, pause on pages with illustrations and ask your child to observe and describe the details they see. Relate these details back to the story’s context.
After finishing the book, take a walk outside to spot local birds, tying back to the birds seen in the book and discussing their possible behaviors and lifestyles.
Use the book as a springboard to discuss broader topics like wildlife conservation and responsibility towards nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: Through the journey of identifying different bird species, the book teaches children the importance of paying close attention to details.
Real-World Application: Children learn to observe and note details in their surroundings, enhancing their overall attention span and cognitive abilities.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: As children follow the story of waiting quietly for birds to appear, they learn the value of patience and the rewards of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of waiting and working steadily towards goals in real life, such as completing a project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book highlights the behaviors of various birds and their habitats, instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for wildlife and the environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more conscious and caring about their environment and the importance of conservation.
Example Lesson: Learning through Exploration
Explanation: By engaging with the outdoor activity of bird spotting, the book promotes learning through direct interaction with nature.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage more often in outdoor activities, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.
Example Lesson: Sharing Knowledge
Explanation: As the protagonist shares their bird spotting experiences with others, it teaches the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with peers.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to share their own knowledge and experiences with friends and family, enhancing their social skills and confidence.