Backyard Birds in Early Childhood

At Abintra, the children have the opportunity for exploration and discovery every day. They use their senses to understand the world. EC students have been studying backyard birds for the last few weeks. They are learning the names of the birds, listening to the sounds they make, and learning about their life cycle. They have had the opportunity to closely observe and experience how birds are born. A Carolina Wren built a nest in the bird house on our back porch. For many days, the female bird had protected her hard-shelled eggs by keeping them warm. The children learned that that process is called "incubation." Last week, the eggs hatched and we have four small birds being fed by their parents every day. The birds have captured the children's attention and they love to listen to their sounds. 

Very soon the birds will fly away and start life on their own. This beautiful process reminds us of one of our favorite quotes: "You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they will be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift. Just breathe, notice, study their faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today, it will be over before you know it."