For the birds

With ladder in hand, I was asked to join in on the latest learning going on in JK recently. It was a highlight of my week.

Before the snow started to fly in earnest last fall, our JK class had been driven by curiosity to ask “Where do birds go in winter?” That became a driving question that set direction for their learning as they started with various theories. “They go to Florida, or Mexico” and “not all leave” were suggested as possible explanations. “Where is Mexico?” soon followed as did other related extensions of their high interest in understanding these creatures as part of God’s creation.

The late February continuation of this learning was wondering if they could somehow take care of
God’s creation and give food to the birds to take care of those that were still here or had already
returned. Out came the bagels, “WOW” butter, and bird feed. These became the raw materials for
hand-made bird feeders made with love and care and ready to be hung up on the tree outside their
classroom. I was happy to string them in the tree outside the JK class as the students were wading
waist-deep in the snow below. We have together watched to see if the birds have started to enjoy
the food.

Learning like this which feeds off of student’s curiosity, is enhanced by group learning, and is
framed by a clear understanding that, indeed “This is My Father’s World” is a delightful example of
quality, Christian education. Patterns of learning and a clear sense of perspective become a way of
viewing their world for these young children, made in God’s image.

LCES - a place for student’s to grow in wisdom, discernment, and to practice care for God’s world.
Sometimes it’s for the birds. SJ