Creating a pinecone bird feeder is a fantastic nature craft that preschoolers can enjoy. It’s simple, fun, and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about birds and their feeding habits while making something that helps local wildlife. This craft is perfect for little hands and can be done almost any time of the year.
What You’ll Need:
Pinecones (medium to large size works best)
Peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter)
Birdseed mix
String or yarn
A plastic knife or spoon for spreading
Paper plates or trays (for easy cleanup)
Optional: Gloves (if anyone has peanut allergies)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Gather Pinecones - Start by taking the children on a walk to collect pinecones. Encourage them to look for ones that are fully opened and not too small, as these will hold the birdseed better. If you can’t find any pinecones outdoors, they are often available at craft stores.
Tie the String - Once you have your pinecones, tie a piece of string or yarn around the top of each one. This will be used to hang the feeder later, so make sure it’s long enough to tie to a tree branch or hook. It’s best to do this step first before the pinecones get sticky.
Spread the Peanut Butter - Give each child a pinecone and a plastic knife or spoon. Let them spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, getting it into the crevices between the scales. This part can get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun! If you’re worried about allergies, be sure to use a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
Roll in Birdseed - Pour birdseed onto a paper plate or tray. Have the children roll their peanut butter-covered pinecones in the birdseed, pressing gently to ensure the seeds stick. They can keep rolling and sprinkling until the pinecone is well-covered.
Hang Your Bird Feeders - Once the pinecones are covered in birdseed, they’re ready to hang! Help the children find a suitable spot outside—preferably near a window where they can watch the birds come to eat. Tie the string to a tree branch or hang it from a hook.
Watch and Learn - After the pinecone bird feeders are hung, encourage the children to observe the birds that visit. They might see different species coming to enjoy the treat, providing a great opportunity to talk about the kinds of birds in your area and what they like to eat.
Educational Benefits:
Wildlife Observation: By creating bird feeders, children can observe birds up close, learning about different species and their behaviors.
Fine Motor Skills: Spreading peanut butter and rolling the pinecone in birdseed helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Environmental Stewardship: Making bird feeders teaches children about caring for animals and respecting nature, fostering an early sense of environmental responsibility.
Sensory Experience: The texture of the pinecones, the stickiness of the peanut butter, and the feel of the birdseed all contribute to a rich sensory experience for young children.
Tips for Success:
Choose the Right Birdseed: If you want to attract specific types of birds, you can choose a birdseed mix that caters to their preferences. For example, black oil sunflower seeds are popular with many bird species.
Keep It Nut-Free: If allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter or soy butter are excellent alternatives to peanut butter.
Supervise Closely: While this craft is generally safe and easy, it’s important to supervise preschoolers, especially during the spreading and rolling stages.
Conclusion:
Pinecone bird feeders are a delightful and educational craft for preschoolers, combining creativity with an introduction to wildlife care. Not only will your child enjoy making the feeders, but they’ll also love watching the birds that come to visit. It’s a simple way to connect with nature and teach children the joy of helping our feathered friends. Plus, it’s a craft that keeps on giving, as the birds enjoy the fruits of your child’s labor!
Comments