Activity Instruction Page
Build a Bird House
- Activity Type: Hands-On Activity
- Theme: Construction & Building
- Learning Center: Art Center
This is a relatively simple building project that parents can do with their preschooler. They will need 7 pieces of wood, nails, and a hammer. Local hardware stores may even have building kits for kids with all the pieces they need (some even for free!)
Materials & Direction
Materials List:
– 7 pieces of wood (pre-cut if possible)
– Nails
– Hammer
– Sandpaper (optional)
– Paint or markers (optional)
Preschool Learning Objectives:
– Develop fine motor skills by hammering nails
– Practice hand-eye coordination
– Learn about basic building techniques
– Encourage creativity through decorating the birdhouse
Preschool Teacher Instructions:
1. Prepare all materials needed for the activity.
2. Demonstrate how to safely use the hammer and nails to attach the pieces of wood together. Encourage the preschooler to practice hammering nails under supervision.
3. Assist the preschooler in assembling the birdhouse. Encourage them to follow a simple design or be creative with their own ideas.
4. Once the birdhouse is assembled, let the preschooler sand down any rough edges with sandpaper.
5. If desired, allow the preschooler to paint or decorate the birdhouse with markers.
6. Discuss the purpose of a birdhouse and where it could be placed in the yard.
Teacher Tips for Differentiated Instruction:
– Provide extra support or guidance for preschoolers who may struggle with using the hammer or nails.
– Offer various sizes or shapes of wood pieces to allow for different levels of difficulty in assembling the birdhouse.
– Encourage advanced preschoolers to create their own designs for the birdhouse.
Assessment Suggestions:
– Observe the preschooler’s ability to follow directions and use the hammer and nails safely.
– Assess their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination during the activity.
– Evaluate their creativity and attention to detail in decorating the birdhouse.
