- Walked around the duck pond. Discussed which birds were on the water, marveled at the water fountain, predicted what we might see in each stretch of pathway ahead, searched for painted rocks hidden alongside the path, inspected and discussed the drawings on rocks that we found, explored different terrain (path, steep lakeside, flat grass, steep uneven hills with tree roots, bridges), played with different styles of walking (normal, fast, slow, scuffing feet, stomping on bridges/wooden jetty). discussed and looked for different bird species and practiced their English and Te Reo Māori names. Watched a Tui stripping bark off a tree and speculated that it might be building a nest to lay eggs in. We looked in the water for eels or fish, collected and inspected different sticks and stones, looked at newly opened daffodils and carefully avoided stepping on any new shoots, said hello to others using the path, selected our route to our end destination.

Art

• Explored and discussed different drawings on rocks found along the pathway.
• Collected and inspected different sticks and stones, encouraging observation skills and appreciation for natural materials.
• Looked at newly opened daffodils, promoting appreciation for nature's beauty.
• Discussed and practiced different art styles by experimenting with different walking styles (normal, fast, slow, scuffing feet, stomping on bridges/wooden jetty).

English Language Arts

• Discussed and practiced English names of different bird species observed.
• Engaged in conversation and social interaction by saying hello to others using the path.
• Predicted what might be seen in each stretch of pathway ahead, fostering imagination and vocabulary development.
• Used descriptive language to discuss the drawings on rocks and the different terrain.

Foreign Language (Te Reo Māori)

• Discussed and practiced Te Reo Māori names of different bird species observed.

Math

• Selected the route to the end destination, involving decision-making and spatial awareness.

Music

• Listened to the sounds of water fountain, birds, and footsteps, enhancing auditory perception.

Physical Education

• Explored different terrains, including steep lakeside, flat grass, steep uneven hills with tree roots, and bridges, promoting balance, coordination, and physical exploration.
• Played with different styles of walking, promoting gross motor skills and body awareness.

Science

• Observed and discussed different bird species and their behaviors, fostering curiosity and knowledge about the natural world.
• Watched a Tui stripping bark off a tree and speculated about its behavior, encouraging observation and critical thinking.
• Looked in the water for eels or fish, promoting exploration and understanding of aquatic life.

Social Studies

• Engaged in social interaction by saying hello to others using the path, promoting community and social skills.

To further develop the concepts explored in this activity, you can encourage children to create their own drawings on rocks, collect and sort different natural materials, learn more about bird species and their habitats, practice using descriptive language to describe their surroundings, and explore different types of music inspired by nature.

Book Recommendations

• Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert: A colorful picture book about a mischievous cat's adventures with different birds.
• Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak: A beautiful story about a young girl who listens to the sounds of birds and their nests.
• Birds by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek: A simple and engaging book that introduces different bird species and their characteristics.