It's conference time, and I've been busily meeting with a few families today. While, I'm here working, many of you are at home with your kids. What will you be doing on these days off? (If you're stuck at work, like me, just keep thinking that it's almost the weekend.)
If you do happen to be at home with the kids, and you're looking for something fun to do, I always recommend the zoo, aquarium, or science center. If you're looking for something a little less expensive, like FREE, then I'd like to suggest a trip to Bothell Feed Center. (by Fred Meyer's at Thrasher's Corner) We have a pet bunny at home. This is Cookie.
I buy everything we need for Cookie at Bothell Feed Center. I'm a farm girl at heart, so making the trip to the local feed store just feels better than going to a big chain pet store. Anyway, I was at Bothell Feed Center last week and can you guess what they had there? BABY CHICKS! I was soooo close to taking a few chicks home and telling my hubby he had to build a chicken coop.
Heading to Bothell Feed Center would make a GREAT field trip over the next few days. As an extension, here are a few questions you might want to ask your child:
What is something that you can do that a baby can't do?
What are some ways we take care of babies until they can care for themselves?
How do you think you would care for a baby chick, or another baby animal? (This would be a great question to ask at the feed center too.)
Where did you sleep when you were a baby?
Where do baby animals sleep?
How do animals stay warm at night?
Where do you think a bird might sleep?
How do you think birds make their nests?
What do you think they use to make their nests?
The conversations could be endless! I love to talk with curious kids. They are full of wonder and excitement about learning. Turning a simple trip to the pet store into an inquiry project is really exciting for kids.
Here are a few books you might want to track down too:
Here's a great idea for helping the birds too!
And here is the link to the original post, if you'd like to read more about it. By the way, Bothell Feed Center has an excellent supply of wild bird food, if you're interested in feeding the birds.
Have your kids create a stuffed animal play area in your house. Encourage them to show what they know about how animal parents care for their babies.
The possibilities are endless! I hope you're enjoying your time with your kids and finding some wonderful learning experiences to fill your days! We'll see you all on Monday, and I hope you have great stories to tell about your days off.
Happy Field Tripping!
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