Create a simple bird feeder with pine cones, seeds and some lard mixed with oats and you will not only keep the kindergarten group busy, but also provide a subject for further projects. Give each child a pine cone, or ask the kids to collect some themselves. The kids then have to tie a string to the top of the cone and dip it into a container filled with lard and oats. Help them to roll the cones in a selection of bird seeds. The bird feeders can either be taken home by the children, or suspended from tree branches on school property. Throughout winter, the kids can watch and comment on the success of their efforts.
The bald eagle is the national emblem of the U.S. and you can focus on that importance by discussing the bird's habitat and features while preparing a balloon craft. To make a bald eagle head, you need white balloons, orange foam sheets, white feathers and wiggly eyes. Distribute a picture of an eagle's head to each child as an example. Prepare a template of the beak, and pass it around so that the children can trace it on the foam before cutting it out. Ask the students to blow up the balloon and assist them, if necessary. Let the children glue the beak onto the balloon, followed by the wiggly eyes. Then ask your students to glue the white feathers around the head and they all will have their own, personal emblem to take home from kindergarten.
Birds are given various meanings in Native American mythology, particularly the Thunderbird, a winged being with supernatural powers. You can introduce the kindergarten students to the culture of Native Americans by telling Thunderbird stories and asking them to create their own mythical bird with Play-Doh, paper-mache or mask templates you cut out beforehand. Also make beads, shells and paint available for the decorations of their fantasy creatures. Thunderbird stories can be downloaded from the Internet. Once the artwork is finished, you can discuss with the children what powers the individual magical beings might have, and arrange an exhibition for the parents to look at.
The turkey is a bird native to North America with a particular significance at Thanksgiving. You can teach the children about the spirit of the season by crafting a food bank in the shape of a turkey and stuffing it with tins or other non-perishable goods. Before the lesson, wrap a large bucket or trash can with brown wrapping or construction paper and cut out colorful card stock shapes in the form of feathers. Give each child a card stock feather to write her name on and to decorate. In the meantime, cut out an oval shape that will represent the neck and head of the turkey. Draw a funny turkey face on the oval before attaching it to the front of the wrapped bucket. Now, in cooperation with the children, glue the individual decorated feather on the bucket and place it on a prominent place in the classroom. Ask the children to stuff their turkey with tins for a charitable organization.