Wings and Tales: Learning About Birds Through Folklore, Facts, and Fun Activities

Parents and teachers can use this book to engage children with the world outside by opening their eyes to fascinating common bird species. Once upon a time, common bird species all had well-known stories associated with them. Legends and folklore about birds abound in almost every culture. It's likely their ability to fly, their beauty and grace, their distinctive and puzzling calls, and the fact that they live all around us is what makes them popular subjects for fables. This book presents a sampling of traditional bird tales retold in a fresh way that makes them especially relevant and memorable for today's children. Each story is complemented by a "Feathered Fact File," a "Backyard Bird Watching Tip" for kids, a classroom/home school activity suggestion, and a story sharing suggestion for parents and teachers. The teaching activities are designed with flexibility so that they may be used to either introduce new concepts of science and math or reinforce familiar concepts in a hands-on fashion. Reading selections are written at third to fourth grade reading levels, but are designed to engage both younger listeners and older readers. * Provides 20 bird tales from around the world retold in simple language, perfect for story time or independent reading * Contains over 60 images, including 20 original woodcut-style story illustrations * Includes a "Feathered Fact File" for each bird species covered, containing numerous fun facts designed to pique children's interest in birds * Each chapter provides a discussion or writing prompt, a story-sharing strategy for parents and teachers, and a backyard birding tip * A bibliography lists works cited and consulted as well as additional resource recommendations for parents and teachers * A handy table shows the skills and standards reinforced by each chapter's extension activity at a glance