Birds are part of a child's everyday life, that’s why I decided to research, in my paper, children’s perceptions of birds and children’s relation to these animals. Based on the results given by children, I developed activities during which children could actively and experientially familiarize themselves with birds and their characteristics. With this the shaping of a positive relationship to these animals was developed.
A quasi experiment was performed with an experimental and control group. With the first group, consisting of children aged three to four, we conducted a project of observing and familiarizing ourselves with birds. Through active learning they learned of different types of birds and their characteristics. We introduced a chicken chick and the bodily characteristics of birds. We observed birds in their natural habitats and, by doing so, explored the lives of different types. We learned how birds develop and hatch, researched the constituents of eggs and compared a hen egg to those of other birds. We discovered and researched why birds create nests and what materials are used. We built a bird nesting box, due to the finding that people create them, due to a lack of hollows or areas for raising their young. Pre and post project we conducted individual interviews, with children from both the experimental and control group. The answers between the children included into the experiment and those could not be compared to see, if the performed activities affected children’s knowledge of, and especially, relationship towards birds. The received results were processed quantitatively and presented in the shape of graphs.
It was found out that the beginning perceptions about birds and their lives were mostly insufficient or incorrect. Post the activities, the children in the experimental group developed correct perceptions. Compared to the results of the children from the control group we also find that the performed activities had an important influence on the understanding and familiarity on the characters of birds. Based on these finding, it can be concluded that already in the preschool period it must be enabled that children encounter and observe birds. With these direct experiences and contact with nature a child builds their first steps towards a positive relationship with nature. Additionally, they discover the importance of nature conservation and the changes towards better and new circumstances for both birds and people.
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