Day 63 - Tues Dec 18: As the last class of the day was diving into a homework assignment, my peripheral vision (& ADD tendencies) caught a moving pale spot on the soccer field. The tell-tale stop-and-go gait made the ID pretty easy but . . .
It's been a long day. I'm gonna take a second to really watch this guy.
Snatching a pair of bins from the shelf, I savor the sight of several plover foraging on the grass. I decided to risk total mayhem breaking in my room.
There's only a few minutes left in the day anyway!
"We have Killdeer on the soccerfield."
The window seat students were trying their best to find these birds about 50 yards away. The puppydog eyes of the other 20-some-odd kids suggested that they missed my subtle invitation.
"If you want to come and look, feel free guys!"
The ensuing rush of students to the port side of the class could have capsized the most stable of marine vessels. I simply backed away and allowed the kids to work out the problem of finding the birds as a group.
"I can't find it. Oh wait - there it is! Right on the field!"
"Where?! I don't see anything!"
"Look through the gate. It's in the middle of the gate right . . .[bird takes a few more steps] . . . NOW!"
"THERE HE IS! I SEE IT!!"
I start pasing around a few pairs of bins for anyone interested in getting a closer look.
The kids start calling out different observations. FInally, the connection is made.
"Isn't that one of the birds from the game last week?!"
Suddenly, a voice chimes in from the back of the room. "We were looking for a bird?! Mr. Mag, you said there was a killed deer on the soccerfield!"
"The bird is called a Killdeer. We have them behind school frequently and . . ."
Monday, December 31, 2007
P2F - Pollyana Wants a Cracker
Day 62 - Mon Dec 17: The Pledge to Fledge blog generally highlights bird-related interactions with my students (or other kids). Yet, today I feel compelled to share what happened at a holiday pollyana party with some fellow teachers.
Immediately upon receiving the familiar shaped gift, I ust hoped the calendar would be something of my interest.
RIP! Tear! Crumple!
A Songbirds calendar! Complete with bird song CD!!
Yep - I would enjoy this.
Within seconds the proclamations reverberate around the room, "the perfect gift for the Bird Man of VMS!"
With the door flung open, I savor this opportunity. The calendar is swiftly released from its cellophane sheathing. Colorful favorites such as American Goldfinches, Ingido Buntings, and Northern Cardinals adorn each month. The expected "Oohs" and Aahs" did not sound the least bit obligatory as the calendar was passed around the room.
Everyone was quite surprised to hear that most of these attractive birds could be found on our own school grounds!
Immediately upon receiving the familiar shaped gift, I ust hoped the calendar would be something of my interest.
RIP! Tear! Crumple!
A Songbirds calendar! Complete with bird song CD!!
Yep - I would enjoy this.
Within seconds the proclamations reverberate around the room, "the perfect gift for the Bird Man of VMS!"
With the door flung open, I savor this opportunity. The calendar is swiftly released from its cellophane sheathing. Colorful favorites such as American Goldfinches, Ingido Buntings, and Northern Cardinals adorn each month. The expected "Oohs" and Aahs" did not sound the least bit obligatory as the calendar was passed around the room.
Everyone was quite surprised to hear that most of these attractive birds could be found on our own school grounds!
P2F - All Birds, All Day!
Day 61 - Fri Dec 14: Given the democratic landslide vote of yesterday, I rushed to work this morning to throw together a quick PowerPoint bird identification game for my classes. Each of the 20 slides featured a different species. Some of them had several photos of of the same bird from various angles or exhibiting trademark behaviors.
The students were broken up into groups. After a quick field guide tutorial, the game commenced. Students were told to jot down their individual observations of the bird then work together to find it in the field guide.
I have never seen them WORK quite so eagerly!
The whole day was quite invigorating for me. They were discriminating body structure, picking up such interesting details, scouring the field guides, and (almost always) finding the right species.
All the while, words of excitement of birds were floating across the room. These kids were discovering the amazing beauty of our North American avidiversity right before my eyes. What an experience!!
As the end of class beckoned, many of the students begged to continue playing the game (even through lunch!!!)
This virtual birding excursion with more than 130 students was extremely rewarding today = )
The students were broken up into groups. After a quick field guide tutorial, the game commenced. Students were told to jot down their individual observations of the bird then work together to find it in the field guide.
I have never seen them WORK quite so eagerly!
The whole day was quite invigorating for me. They were discriminating body structure, picking up such interesting details, scouring the field guides, and (almost always) finding the right species.
All the while, words of excitement of birds were floating across the room. These kids were discovering the amazing beauty of our North American avidiversity right before my eyes. What an experience!!
As the end of class beckoned, many of the students begged to continue playing the game (even through lunch!!!)
This virtual birding excursion with more than 130 students was extremely rewarding today = )
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
P2F - The Birding Majority
Day 60 - Thurs Dec 13: Studying (and teaching) about the Holocaust takes a toll on young (and not so young) hearts and minds. Today was a brief test on the background information for this most difficult unit. With one day left in the week, we decided to turn the mood of the class around tomorrow by doing something light-hearted.
I proposed two options for the students to vote on:
a) a class period of "chatting" about any/all topics that the students would like to bring up.
- OR -
b) playing a bird identification game.
At day's end, the popular vote among all of my classes was beyond the sabotage of hanging chads or resurrected voters!
I proposed two options for the students to vote on:
a) a class period of "chatting" about any/all topics that the students would like to bring up.
- OR -
b) playing a bird identification game.
At day's end, the popular vote among all of my classes was beyond the sabotage of hanging chads or resurrected voters!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
P2F - Roadside Hawks
Day 59 - Wed Dec 12: The gym teacher was powerwalking down the hallway. I attempted in vain to clear enough room in the corridor. It turns out he was seeking me out!
"Hey Dave, I have to tell you this!"
"Is everything alright Phil?"
"Yeah but this is all YOU!"
He had me very curious.
"I was driving down Route 70 and I saw this huge hawk swoop down," he launches into arm flapping charades as students are slowly filtering into the previous barren hallways.
"He landed right on top of a rabbit! The bird was huge and he just sat there - on the rabbit! It was almost as if he was proud of his catch - like a cat would do!"
Again, charades played out as Phil poses like a pompous movie start at a photo shoot.
The kids walked by twisting their heads toward him with subtle chuckles.
"When I saw it, I thought 'Dave would love this' "
"Hawks are so impressive to watch. They can be so powerful and graceful. Thanks for getting my day off to such a nice start."
Phil walked away looking almost as proud as his roadside hawk.
"Hey Dave, I have to tell you this!"
"Is everything alright Phil?"
"Yeah but this is all YOU!"
He had me very curious.
"I was driving down Route 70 and I saw this huge hawk swoop down," he launches into arm flapping charades as students are slowly filtering into the previous barren hallways.
"He landed right on top of a rabbit! The bird was huge and he just sat there - on the rabbit! It was almost as if he was proud of his catch - like a cat would do!"
Again, charades played out as Phil poses like a pompous movie start at a photo shoot.
The kids walked by twisting their heads toward him with subtle chuckles.
"When I saw it, I thought 'Dave would love this' "
"Hawks are so impressive to watch. They can be so powerful and graceful. Thanks for getting my day off to such a nice start."
Phil walked away looking almost as proud as his roadside hawk.
P2F - Birding at the Book Fair
Day 58 - Tues Dec 11: I volunteered to help the school librarian with the book fair today. My job was simple: show up, take some money, make some change.
Not hard at all.
Not birdy at all.
Well . . .
There was a student's mother assisting during the same period. We exchanged brief pleasantries before the big rush came in. Once the last purchase was completed, she and I sat at our post like Harris Hawks awaiting some unexpected prey. Fortunately, our survival was not dependent on unsuspecting passersby since the library was pretty quiet for the remainder of the period.
This dramatic lull was quickly punctuated.
"By the way Mr. Mag, that was a great article in the paper a few weeks ago!"
"Gee thanks. The lady from the Courier did a really nice job with it."
"You were in the Courier too?! I only saw the one in the Inquirer."
The next few minutes focused on the Fledging Birders philosophy of creatively bringing the benefits and fun of birding to our youth. She was such a receptive audience and asked some great questions.
It wasn't long before our conversation turned to one of her own very interesting endeavors - "geocaching".
I always welcome the opportunity to talk "birding with kids" or just plain birding with any potential new birders. It's also great to learn about other new hobbies!
Not hard at all.
Not birdy at all.
Well . . .
There was a student's mother assisting during the same period. We exchanged brief pleasantries before the big rush came in. Once the last purchase was completed, she and I sat at our post like Harris Hawks awaiting some unexpected prey. Fortunately, our survival was not dependent on unsuspecting passersby since the library was pretty quiet for the remainder of the period.
This dramatic lull was quickly punctuated.
"By the way Mr. Mag, that was a great article in the paper a few weeks ago!"
"Gee thanks. The lady from the Courier did a really nice job with it."
"You were in the Courier too?! I only saw the one in the Inquirer."
The next few minutes focused on the Fledging Birders philosophy of creatively bringing the benefits and fun of birding to our youth. She was such a receptive audience and asked some great questions.
It wasn't long before our conversation turned to one of her own very interesting endeavors - "geocaching".
I always welcome the opportunity to talk "birding with kids" or just plain birding with any potential new birders. It's also great to learn about other new hobbies!
P2F - Curiosity Caught the Kids
Day 57 - Mon Dec 10: Minus the craziness of the Food Drive, today's homeroom was much more relaxed than last week. Once the morning administrative tasks were tackled, I popped open the field guide that resides on the corner of my desk.
Almost immediately I heard, "Which is your favorite bird in that book?"
How could I possibly answer this?!
"There are so many really cool birds. Like this one . . ." [pointing out American Kestrels to a growing gaggle of kids]
This one statement led to more questions which in turn led to even more questions and so on and so on.
The innate curiosiy is perhaps our strongest ally in the fledging of new birders. They yearn to learn more about the world around them. Their minds are blank canvases waiting for a masterpiece. These masterpieces can come in many mediums - soccer, playing violin, performing in plays, etc.
Why not birding?!
Even if birding does not become their prime focus, it can really enrich their lives in SOO many ways.
This morning's Kestrel uriosity craze enticed me to be a bit more birdy this week ; )
Almost immediately I heard, "Which is your favorite bird in that book?"
How could I possibly answer this?!
"There are so many really cool birds. Like this one . . ." [pointing out American Kestrels to a growing gaggle of kids]
This one statement led to more questions which in turn led to even more questions and so on and so on.
The innate curiosiy is perhaps our strongest ally in the fledging of new birders. They yearn to learn more about the world around them. Their minds are blank canvases waiting for a masterpiece. These masterpieces can come in many mediums - soccer, playing violin, performing in plays, etc.
Why not birding?!
Even if birding does not become their prime focus, it can really enrich their lives in SOO many ways.
This morning's Kestrel uriosity craze enticed me to be a bit more birdy this week ; )
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
P2F - Travel Tips from Teachers
Day 56 -Fri Dec 7: This morning was absolutely nuts. The final day of the Food Drive brought in more items that all the previous days combined. We were sorting and boxing cans. We were collecting homeroom counts and entering the data on to the computer.
Unfortunately, I was unable to give one of the homeroom kids my fullest attention when she very politely said, "Mr. Mag, my grandparents have a questions for you."
"See me during class, Lauren. I'd be happy to talk to you about it a little later."
Class time approached and so did she. "Can I ask you now?"
"Ask me what?!"
"My grandparents are going to China and they are wondering what kind of binoculars to buy before they go. They wanted me to ask you your opinion."
Woo-Hoo! This can be fun!
She and I talked optics (power, weight, companies, prices, etc.) for a few minutes before I noticed that glazed over look. OK - maybe I talked and she simply got lost in my car dealer radio commercial disclaimer delivery.
"You know what. Have your grandparetns or parents e-mail me. I will talk to them directly and see specifically what they're going to use them for."
I look forward to talking binoculars with grown-ups in the coming weeks!
Unfortunately, I was unable to give one of the homeroom kids my fullest attention when she very politely said, "Mr. Mag, my grandparents have a questions for you."
"See me during class, Lauren. I'd be happy to talk to you about it a little later."
Class time approached and so did she. "Can I ask you now?"
"Ask me what?!"
"My grandparents are going to China and they are wondering what kind of binoculars to buy before they go. They wanted me to ask you your opinion."
Woo-Hoo! This can be fun!
She and I talked optics (power, weight, companies, prices, etc.) for a few minutes before I noticed that glazed over look. OK - maybe I talked and she simply got lost in my car dealer radio commercial disclaimer delivery.
"You know what. Have your grandparetns or parents e-mail me. I will talk to them directly and see specifically what they're going to use them for."
I look forward to talking binoculars with grown-ups in the coming weeks!
P2F - Death Birds
Day 55 - Thurs Dec 5: It was my third period of the day discussing the Holocaust and other genocides with 11 year-olds. My mind needed a break from introducing these relative innocents to one of the darkest realities of human nature.
Talking about death with kids all morning is not very pleassant.
That's when it happened. A bird dropped into clear view of my windows. The class' work was done so I eagerly pointed out this diversion to the death and despair of Darfur.
The question was thrown out to everyone, "what do you notice about this bird?"
"It's huge."
"I can't believe it's so close to us."
"He keeps going around and around. Is he gonna get dizzy?!"
"It's all black."
"No it's not! Look - it has gray under its wings."
"Why is it wobbling so much?"
The two minute drill was nearly expired.
We talked for a few minutes about this very cooperative Turkey Vulture circling over the soccer field. I had answered most of the questions when one more popped up.
"Does it even have a head?!"
The final inquiry led to explanation of vultures' featherless heads and their niche as scavengers.
BEEP!
"Time for LUNCH!"
I guess it was unavoidable that today's class closed on the topic of death.
Talking about death with kids all morning is not very pleassant.
That's when it happened. A bird dropped into clear view of my windows. The class' work was done so I eagerly pointed out this diversion to the death and despair of Darfur.
The question was thrown out to everyone, "what do you notice about this bird?"
"It's huge."
"I can't believe it's so close to us."
"He keeps going around and around. Is he gonna get dizzy?!"
"It's all black."
"No it's not! Look - it has gray under its wings."
"Why is it wobbling so much?"
The two minute drill was nearly expired.
We talked for a few minutes about this very cooperative Turkey Vulture circling over the soccer field. I had answered most of the questions when one more popped up.
"Does it even have a head?!"
The final inquiry led to explanation of vultures' featherless heads and their niche as scavengers.
BEEP!
"Time for LUNCH!"
I guess it was unavoidable that today's class closed on the topic of death.
P2F - Duck Duck Grooms
Day 54 - Tues Dec 4: The Food Drive continues . . .
And so does the bird talk!
My "Pledge to Fledge" highlight today was in the form of a gift from a 7th grade student. She came in and announced, "Mr. Mag, I got a surprise for you!"
Turning toward the voice, I ended up eyeball to eyeball with a wooden waterfowl.
"I have no idea what this actually is but since it's a duck, I figured you would like it!"
How could I not appreciate such a thoughtful gesture?!
When the can-can craziness cooled down, I examined the fist-sized novelty in a vain attempt ID it's species. It's colorful face and flanks with black velvety plumage running from the belly through the vent meant suggested only one possibility. . .
A-ha! It's an Aix sponsa lintus, commonly known as a lint brush x Wood Duck hybrid.
Dabbling on my desk all week, this new bird accessory has elicited a few questions from my students.
And so does the bird talk!
My "Pledge to Fledge" highlight today was in the form of a gift from a 7th grade student. She came in and announced, "Mr. Mag, I got a surprise for you!"
Turning toward the voice, I ended up eyeball to eyeball with a wooden waterfowl.
"I have no idea what this actually is but since it's a duck, I figured you would like it!"
How could I not appreciate such a thoughtful gesture?!
When the can-can craziness cooled down, I examined the fist-sized novelty in a vain attempt ID it's species. It's colorful face and flanks with black velvety plumage running from the belly through the vent meant suggested only one possibility. . .
A-ha! It's an Aix sponsa lintus, commonly known as a lint brush x Wood Duck hybrid.
Dabbling on my desk all week, this new bird accessory has elicited a few questions from my students.
P2F - It's a Lo-o-o-ng Drive!
Day 53 - Mon Dec 3: Our annual Student Council Food Drive was launched with a barrage of middle schoolers carting canned goods down to our library. What a great opportunity to get down to some birding business!
As co-advisor for our Student Council, my job is to help set-up for each day's collections and organize items as they come in. While this can be a logistical headache, it also gives me a chance to chat briefly with of my some former students.
One or two kids brought up the recent Courier Post article. What really surprised me though was several students asking if I've seen any new Life Birds recently!
It was nice to know that these former students still remember such birdy terms ; )
This was definitely a good morning to be a teacher. There was a flock of kids working their tails off for charity AND talking birds at the same time.
Yep - teaching can be rewarding!!
As co-advisor for our Student Council, my job is to help set-up for each day's collections and organize items as they come in. While this can be a logistical headache, it also gives me a chance to chat briefly with of my some former students.
One or two kids brought up the recent Courier Post article. What really surprised me though was several students asking if I've seen any new Life Birds recently!
It was nice to know that these former students still remember such birdy terms ; )
This was definitely a good morning to be a teacher. There was a flock of kids working their tails off for charity AND talking birds at the same time.
Yep - teaching can be rewarding!!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
P2F - Dipping on Fledging
Tues Nov 27 - Fri Nov 30: This has been a goofy week. I was out sick a few days. We had a half day and parent conferences. Then on Friday we had to play "catch up" from earlier in the week. The Pledge to Fledge was rather weak this week.
I did, however, chat about birds and birding with my doctor, a few coworkers, and parents of students throughout the week. Yet, in good conscience, I think I owe you a few Pledges in the coming weeks.
I did, however, chat about birds and birding with my doctor, a few coworkers, and parents of students throughout the week. Yet, in good conscience, I think I owe you a few Pledges in the coming weeks.
P2F - Birding in the Paper
Day 52 - Mon Nov 26: The Courier Post article was published yesterday.
Several students and teachers brought in their copies of the newspaper to share with others.
The students who appeared in the article were so excited and/or proud of seeing their faces in the paper. They eagerly shared the story with theitr friends and classmates.
In addition to many congrats, I also endured a few expected friendly words of jest about some of the reporter's quotes.
It's not unusual to bird through the paper. It is a bit strange to bird through the paper and see yourself though.
Several students and teachers brought in their copies of the newspaper to share with others.
The students who appeared in the article were so excited and/or proud of seeing their faces in the paper. They eagerly shared the story with theitr friends and classmates.
In addition to many congrats, I also endured a few expected friendly words of jest about some of the reporter's quotes.
It's not unusual to bird through the paper. It is a bit strange to bird through the paper and see yourself though.
P2F - No Turkeys Tomorrow = (
Day 51 - Wed Nov 21: For the past several years, I have left my house early Thanksgiving morning for a turkey hunt.
We didn't need the bird for dinner. Some family member had a bird defrosted in their kitchen. Just thought it owuld be cool to find turkeys on Turkey Day. I have never succeeded in finding the big birds on their big day.
Even though we "failed", my daughter and I had a great time driving through Salem County looking for them last year. We had eagles, Snow Geese, and huge blackbirds flock. As we doubled back down a country road, we found a freshly dead Red-winged Blackbird that was not there 45 minutes earlier. I was surprised by my daughter's eagerness to evaluate the the beautiful plumage at close range. What a memorable experience for both of us! (She wanted to bring it home to show Mommy and her brother. Don't think my wife would have liked that too much!)
I found out yesterday that this year's trip would be pre-empted.
Our school's choir was performing at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. I explained with great pride to each of my classes that their peers wold be on TV.
Of course, I also explained that my annual Turkey Day Turkey Search would be put aside to watch scan the small screen for my singing students. Naturally, the kids asked me many questions about wild turkeys and where they can be foudn in our area.
Come Thursday morning, guess what happened . . .
I had a turkey sighting! Ahd he was HUGE - not big, not large, simply HUGE!
OK - you got me. It was the Tom Turkey float in the parade. I guess that doesn't count = (
We didn't need the bird for dinner. Some family member had a bird defrosted in their kitchen. Just thought it owuld be cool to find turkeys on Turkey Day. I have never succeeded in finding the big birds on their big day.
Even though we "failed", my daughter and I had a great time driving through Salem County looking for them last year. We had eagles, Snow Geese, and huge blackbirds flock. As we doubled back down a country road, we found a freshly dead Red-winged Blackbird that was not there 45 minutes earlier. I was surprised by my daughter's eagerness to evaluate the the beautiful plumage at close range. What a memorable experience for both of us! (She wanted to bring it home to show Mommy and her brother. Don't think my wife would have liked that too much!)
I found out yesterday that this year's trip would be pre-empted.
Our school's choir was performing at the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. I explained with great pride to each of my classes that their peers wold be on TV.
Of course, I also explained that my annual Turkey Day Turkey Search would be put aside to watch scan the small screen for my singing students. Naturally, the kids asked me many questions about wild turkeys and where they can be foudn in our area.
Come Thursday morning, guess what happened . . .
I had a turkey sighting! Ahd he was HUGE - not big, not large, simply HUGE!
OK - you got me. It was the Tom Turkey float in the parade. I guess that doesn't count = (
P2F - Shooting Kids Birding
Day 50 - Tues Nov 20: Administrators have been notified. Notes have been coming in all morning. Double checked to make sure all students have approved media release forms.
Immediately folloqing dismissal, eager young birders congregate in my classroom. Mostly, 6th graders ready for the first time. I was able to get some of my older kids there as well = ) The more experienced brood was tutoring the future fledglings in the way of the binoculars.
With a few last minute additions, I actually ended up one pair of bins short. Guess who didn't use any!
The photographer shows up as we play a little bird ID game with mounted specimens abnd field guyides. Two groups of kids working together to cooperatively identify two different species: Green-winged Teal and Brant.
Listening to them stumble through the process was quite enjoyable. Each kid chiming in with a different field mark. It took both groups a little while to find the first onein the field guide. But once they had the waterfowl section at their fingertips, the other was ID'ed much quicker.
We then went outside to look for a few birds. Juncos, robins, vultures, starlings, and grackles had the kids' eyes and minds going in several directions at once.
The photographer was shooting away.
As we returned back to the class, the kids left for home.
Before departing, the photographer thanked me for teaching him a few things about birds. He particularly liked the Dark-eyed Juncoes!
The resulting article can be found on CourierPost Online.
Immediately folloqing dismissal, eager young birders congregate in my classroom. Mostly, 6th graders ready for the first time. I was able to get some of my older kids there as well = ) The more experienced brood was tutoring the future fledglings in the way of the binoculars.
With a few last minute additions, I actually ended up one pair of bins short. Guess who didn't use any!
The photographer shows up as we play a little bird ID game with mounted specimens abnd field guyides. Two groups of kids working together to cooperatively identify two different species: Green-winged Teal and Brant.
Listening to them stumble through the process was quite enjoyable. Each kid chiming in with a different field mark. It took both groups a little while to find the first onein the field guide. But once they had the waterfowl section at their fingertips, the other was ID'ed much quicker.
We then went outside to look for a few birds. Juncos, robins, vultures, starlings, and grackles had the kids' eyes and minds going in several directions at once.
The photographer was shooting away.
As we returned back to the class, the kids left for home.
Before departing, the photographer thanked me for teaching him a few things about birds. He particularly liked the Dark-eyed Juncoes!
The resulting article can be found on CourierPost Online.
P2F - Awkward Request
Day 49 - Mon Nov 19: My last period class was quietly working on an activity so I quickly checked my e-mail.
The reporter had a request from her editor. She wanted to have another photographer come out to the school TOMORROW. This time, the focus was to be KIDS.
Granted, this made total sense given the subject of the upcoming article. There were several problems with this request.
First, I have yet to have this year students in the field. I usually wait to get the new batch out into the field until we know each other better. This allows for a much more pleasurable and productive birding experience for all involved, especially the birds.
Second, it would be no small task to get in touch with my 7th and 8th grade birders on such short notice.
Decisions, Decisions.
I announced that I would be going out to look for some birds afterschool tomorrow and asked who would be interested in joining me. More than half the class raised their hands. When I explained the newspaper/photographer situation, several more hands joined the legions.
I'm so comfortable with practically staging the shoot but the kids are up for it.
I will let you know how it goes ; )
As an aside, the name of this group is the Wings!
The reporter had a request from her editor. She wanted to have another photographer come out to the school TOMORROW. This time, the focus was to be KIDS.
Granted, this made total sense given the subject of the upcoming article. There were several problems with this request.
First, I have yet to have this year students in the field. I usually wait to get the new batch out into the field until we know each other better. This allows for a much more pleasurable and productive birding experience for all involved, especially the birds.
Second, it would be no small task to get in touch with my 7th and 8th grade birders on such short notice.
Decisions, Decisions.
I announced that I would be going out to look for some birds afterschool tomorrow and asked who would be interested in joining me. More than half the class raised their hands. When I explained the newspaper/photographer situation, several more hands joined the legions.
I'm so comfortable with practically staging the shoot but the kids are up for it.
I will let you know how it goes ; )
As an aside, the name of this group is the Wings!
P2F - Weekend in Preview
Day 48 - Fri Nov 16: A few of my classes worked extremely well on today. As a result, there was some unanticipated time left at the end of the period.
I threw out a general question to the class, "any big plans for this weekend?"
The normal middle school itinerary entries were flying around the room - games, birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, sleeping late, movies.
Then it happened. They turned the interrogation back on me with an ulterior motive, "What about you Mr. Mag?"
"I;m not sure what we're doing yet."
Several adolescent voices chimed in with a less-than-rehearsed chorus, "Are you going to find any Life Birds this weekend?!"
My heart was warmed. Did I think they really cared about my enjoyment of finding new birds? Of course not, they were only wishing to celebrate a new discovery next week. Then why was I so delighted you might ask.
First of all, they were all using birding vernacular - Life Birds! Several of them were even able to recall that the Calliope Hummingbird was my first life bird this year.
Secondly, their teacher's excitement of a new bird is oozing into their consciousness via our class' Life Bird celebrations. These small but well-received tokens of accomplishment are effective. Definitely worth the expense of buying snacks for 140 kids once in a while.
Walls of birding ignorance are being cihpped away in their minds and hearts. They are becoming familiar with the world of birdwatching = )
Isn't this the first step in becoming a birder?!
I threw out a general question to the class, "any big plans for this weekend?"
The normal middle school itinerary entries were flying around the room - games, birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs, sleeping late, movies.
Then it happened. They turned the interrogation back on me with an ulterior motive, "What about you Mr. Mag?"
"I;m not sure what we're doing yet."
Several adolescent voices chimed in with a less-than-rehearsed chorus, "Are you going to find any Life Birds this weekend?!"
My heart was warmed. Did I think they really cared about my enjoyment of finding new birds? Of course not, they were only wishing to celebrate a new discovery next week. Then why was I so delighted you might ask.
First of all, they were all using birding vernacular - Life Birds! Several of them were even able to recall that the Calliope Hummingbird was my first life bird this year.
Secondly, their teacher's excitement of a new bird is oozing into their consciousness via our class' Life Bird celebrations. These small but well-received tokens of accomplishment are effective. Definitely worth the expense of buying snacks for 140 kids once in a while.
Walls of birding ignorance are being cihpped away in their minds and hearts. They are becoming familiar with the world of birdwatching = )
Isn't this the first step in becoming a birder?!
P2F - Mocking Some Kids
Day 47 - Thurs Nov 15: It's rather normal to hear students say things like, "Mr. Mag, Billy said I was . . . " or "She just told me to . . . "
But this morning was different.
The 6th grader rushes to my room to some harassment that occurred as he was waiting for the bus. He said a bird was "yelling over and over" from the top of small tree.
"Ok. What did it sound like?"
"It sounded was loud and rude."
Let's narrow it down from my 3 prime suspects. "What did it look like?"
"It was like a grayish color. When it flew away, the wings were really white."
I turned and grabbed a field guide from the desk. I extended the book toward my young inquisitor while simultaneously flipping to the Mimids. The guide landed in front of his face just as the Northern Mockingbird page was reached. (If only the choreography had been planned!)
"That was it!"
"It's called a Northern Mockingbird. They can be really cool birds. They learn how to sing the songs of other birds."
"Was he mocking me this morning?!?!"
"Probably not."
But this morning was different.
The 6th grader rushes to my room to some harassment that occurred as he was waiting for the bus. He said a bird was "yelling over and over" from the top of small tree.
"Ok. What did it sound like?"
"It sounded was loud and rude."
Let's narrow it down from my 3 prime suspects. "What did it look like?"
"It was like a grayish color. When it flew away, the wings were really white."
I turned and grabbed a field guide from the desk. I extended the book toward my young inquisitor while simultaneously flipping to the Mimids. The guide landed in front of his face just as the Northern Mockingbird page was reached. (If only the choreography had been planned!)
"That was it!"
"It's called a Northern Mockingbird. They can be really cool birds. They learn how to sing the songs of other birds."
"Was he mocking me this morning?!?!"
"Probably not."
P2F - Shooting Birders
Day 46 - Wed Nov 14: Yesterday, I met with a local reporter to talk about the benefits of birding with kids. We spent more than an hour chatting about one of my favorite topics. As the conversation closed, she said, "can I send a photographer out to get some pics of you in the field tomorrow afternoon? It will only take about 15 minutes."
Aargh! "Sure, that would be fine."
Fast forward to this afternoon . . .
The photojournalist arrives promptly after school. Our salutations complete, we head behind the school to look for some birds. It's rather overcast and few birds were out and about. Regardless, I scanned the treetops, bushes, and skies for all manners of birds while she shuttered away.
Not being one to just sit there and get shot, I started chatting birds and birding with kids with her. We talked about different species in flight and how to tell them apart. We talked about various birds she has noticed lately. We talked about how kids are enthralled by wildlife.
And we talked about how rare birds can show up so far from home.
And we talked about the seasonal rhythms of birds.
She left about 90 minutes later with several decent pics of a barely salvagable subject and a nice chunk of new avian knowledge.
Aargh! "Sure, that would be fine."
Fast forward to this afternoon . . .
The photojournalist arrives promptly after school. Our salutations complete, we head behind the school to look for some birds. It's rather overcast and few birds were out and about. Regardless, I scanned the treetops, bushes, and skies for all manners of birds while she shuttered away.
Not being one to just sit there and get shot, I started chatting birds and birding with kids with her. We talked about different species in flight and how to tell them apart. We talked about various birds she has noticed lately. We talked about how kids are enthralled by wildlife.
And we talked about how rare birds can show up so far from home.
And we talked about the seasonal rhythms of birds.
She left about 90 minutes later with several decent pics of a barely salvagable subject and a nice chunk of new avian knowledge.
Monday, December 3, 2007
P2F - Mixed Flocks
Day 45 - Tues Nov 13: Today was Mix-It-Up Day. Our school participates in this national campaign to build awareness and acceptance of others.
As tolerance.org explains, The Mix It Up concept is "a project supporting student efforts to identify, question and cross social boundaries within their schools and communities."
As the kids entered the cafeteria, they were sent to random tables. Instead their normal crew, they would be breaking bread with a new set of peers today. The students were both shaken and stirred by this simple logistical maneuver.
My routine was also disrupted. I usually make the rounds and go through my repertoire of individualized interactions for each group of kids. Talking sports at some tables, music at others, books with other still, and birds with all of them at times.
Today, the music kids, sports kids, and all the rest were as mixed as flocks of migrating shorebirds or wintering blackbirds. While this made my daily performance unique, it definitely allowed for birding discussions as I explained the mixed flock analogy to each table = )
As tolerance.org explains, The Mix It Up concept is "a project supporting student efforts to identify, question and cross social boundaries within their schools and communities."
As the kids entered the cafeteria, they were sent to random tables. Instead their normal crew, they would be breaking bread with a new set of peers today. The students were both shaken and stirred by this simple logistical maneuver.
My routine was also disrupted. I usually make the rounds and go through my repertoire of individualized interactions for each group of kids. Talking sports at some tables, music at others, books with other still, and birds with all of them at times.
Today, the music kids, sports kids, and all the rest were as mixed as flocks of migrating shorebirds or wintering blackbirds. While this made my daily performance unique, it definitely allowed for birding discussions as I explained the mixed flock analogy to each table = )
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