Duration
20 minutes / Theme
Outdoor Learning / Subject focus
Science / Age group
KS1
Resources required
· Bird ID spinners (see resource)
· Sticks or pencils
· Binoculars if available
Adult Support
· Support children to read features aloud if necessary
· Model calm and quiet patience when hoping to spot birds
Follow up activities
· Continued bird watching and identification
· Identification of plants & insects
· Learning about habitats, life cycles and food chains.

Learning outcomes (differentiated)

MUST Look for and spot common birds

SHOULD Look for, spot and name common birds

COULD Look for, spot, name and describe common birds

Starter

Before heading outside come up with a bird spotting charter – if we want to see as many birds as possible, how do we need to behave?

Main activity

Begin by using the spinner with the bird pictures on top. Rotate through the names asking children if they have seen one before.

In pairs or groups children can spin the dial to land on one particular bird. They can turn it over to reveal features of that species. Children could spend five minutes seeing if anyone can spot one before someone else taking a turn.

When children become familiar with the spinner, it can be used the other way up. Spin the dial until it rests on a set of features. The spinner reads them out. The first to guess which bird this is describing correctly, takes the next turn.

Plenary

Guess who game. Stick the name of one of the birds to a child’s back using a post-it note that is visible to the group. The ‘bird’ can ask questions with a yes/no answer to determine which bird they are e.g. Am I often seen in a pair?

Extension tasks

· Children could create their own spinner with other species that they have noted.

· In time, the names of the birds could be covered up with sticky labels.

Actions before next lesson

· Encourage children to continue bird spotting activities at playtimes and lunchtimes as well as in their own gardens

Reflective notes

Curriculum links
English Y1-6
Pupils should be taught to:
-  ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge
-  use relevant strategies to build their vocabulary
Y1 Science
Pupils should be taught to:
-  identify and name a variety of common animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals
Y2 Science
Pupils should be taught to:
-  identify and name a variety of plants and animals in their habitats, including microhabitats