The Things With Wings Workshop

This workshop is specially designed to go with the Things With Wings performance.

The workshop has two elements and the first half of the program is performance oriented. Using visuals, songs and props, the duo teaches students about the world of birds and bird watching. Emily Emu (a puppet from Things With Wings) helps explain the lessons in a fun and entertaining way. Students are invited to ask questions and answer questions and participate in the performance part of the workshop.

The second half of the workshop concentrates on beginning aspects of bird watching. The duo creates beautiful field guides that the students will color during the workshop. Each book has information about 12 birds that can be found in the student's own backyard. The students can take the book home and explore further on their own. (A sample of the book the duo created for Michigan can be sent to you on request. The bird guides are customized to your region).

The book also has information on great web sites about birds and recommended field guides.

Kelly and Donna then play field recordings of the birds' songs and discuss elements such as field marks, habitat, and behavior. The students love the BIRD SONG QUIZ at the end and are amazed at how much they actually know about the world of nature around them!

  • Each workshop is 50 min. in length.
  • Size of each workshop should be no more than two classrooms (ideal size is 30-50)
  • Students should bring their own colored pencils or crayons to the workshop for coloring in the range maps and birds in their own bird book.
  • Perfect for grades 3rd-5th (but can be adapted to all grades.)
On the right is the cover of the field guide we use in our workshop. The kids get to color their own and TAKE THEM HOME!

Outcome

Students come away with a better understanding about the natural world around them. It plants the seeds for a life-long interest in birds and natural history.

The mechanics of learning to use a field guide helps the student in other reference areas such as the use of indexes, glossaries, etc. In addition, it opens up the world of nature field guides (trees, rocks, mammal, insects, etc.) The science element is strong with discussions of anatomy and animal behavior. Teaches respect for the environment.

Remember, matching funds are available through the Arkansas Arts Council!
Toucan Jam/Still on the Hill is recognized by the Arkansas Arts Council as a member of their Arts on Tour artist roster. Information on how to apply for Arts on Tour funds is available on the Arkansas Arts Council web site on their Arts on Tour page . It is a simple one page form and we will gladly walk you through the process!

Contact:

Kelly Mulhollan & Donna Stjerna
Toucan Jam/Still on the Hill
2406 Blackberry Dr.
Fayetteville, AR. 72703
479-482-2291
Email Toucan Jam at: still@stillonthehill.com
Website: www.toucanjam.net