Spit & Sticks: A Chimney Full of Swifts
What’s inside...
Succinct and factual text follows chimney swifts as they arrive on a Texas farm, build their nest, lay eggs, ready for fledglings to take flight, and eventually prepare to migrate back to South America. In a parallel, wordless story, a mom, dad, and young girl on the farm watch the chimney swifts throughout the summer and fall, even as they build a new crib and ready for the new baby they're expecting. As they enjoy their baby's first months, they also celebrate the fledglings' first flight and bid the birds good-bye until next year. Nicole Gsell's soft illustrations follow the tales of both families—bird and human—from each unique perspective. A beautiful addition to bird lovers' collections, as well as classrooms and libraries.
Discussion points
What did you learn about how swifts build their nests?
Why do you think the swifts choose chimneys to live in?
How do you think the baby swifts felt when they were ready to fly?
What can we do to help protect birds like the swifts in our neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about birds and specifically swifts, to gauge their prior knowledge.
While reading, pause at the illustrations and discuss what's happening, asking your child to describe the scenes and the actions of the swifts.
Post-reading, connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they’ve ever seen a bird’s nest or watched a bird fly.
Encourage your child to think about the story's broader implications by discussing the importance of animal habitats and conservation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The swifts in the story work together to build their nest and care for their young, demonstrating the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles during group activities at school or in team sports, learning to cooperate and value each participant's contribution.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the swifts face various challenges, such as changing weather conditions and threats from predators, which they overcome through quick thinking and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be flexible and innovative in their approach to solving conflicts and obstacles in everyday life, such as adapting to new routines or resolving disputes with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Home and Safety
Explanation: The chimney provides a safe, nurturing environment for the swifts, highlighting the importance of having a secure habitat.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of having a safe space and the importance of caring for their home environment, promoting responsibilities like tidying up and understanding the concept of private and communal spaces.
Example Lesson: Cycle of Life
Explanation: The book covers the journey of swifts from nesting to raising their young and eventually venturing out, teaching about the natural lifecycle.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the stages of life and the concept of growth, encouraging them to respect and care for living things at different stages of development.