Kids

Bird Watching Nature Journal

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Do you have a child that loves to sit in nature and draw?

I do. My oldest daughter loves sitting outside or by the window and drawing whatever wildlife she can find, or her impressions of nature.

I created this bird survey tool as a way for her to record and draw the different birds that she finds around our community in Northern Ontario. (Her beautiful little six-year-old drawings and observations are so cute!) It will be a special keepsake in years to come.

This birdy resource will encourage students to get outside into nature and watch and listen for the many amazing different bird species out there! It is non-specific to any geographical area, and is to be used as an interactive survey tool.

On each page students can record:

  • The name of the BIRD sighted
  • Date/Time
  • Location of the BIRD
  • Colour and any notable markings of the BIRD
  • Behavior of the BIRD (what was the bird doing?)

At the bottom of each page there is a framed box where students can DRAW their impression of what the bird looked like, or what it was doing (flying, perching, nesting, etc).

This PDF file has been designed to be easily printed, folded and stapled together, making it an easy handout to either print and make ahead of time for younger students, or have the older students assemble it themselves!

There are 12 different journal covers for students to choose from to use in their nature journals, highlighting a variety of different bird species.

Instructions on assembling this nature journal:

1) Choose 1 of the 12 unique journal covers and print on cardstock, fold in half.

2) Print inner journal pages double-sided, flipping on short edge.

3) Fold inner pages in half and insert into the cover.       

4) Put 3 staples along the fold in the cover.

What is Included in this Digital Package? (Total 18 Pages)

  • Bird Watching Journal Covers (12 pages)
  • Bird Watching Journal: Inner pages (4 pages)
  • Terms of Use/Instructions/Graphic Credits (2 pages)

**Please Note that this is a DIGITAL FILE. There is no physical product from this purchase. After purchasing, there is a link that is automatically sent to your email where you can access your new file. (Email address is required at checkout).

Click HERE to buy this Package
Bird Watching Nature Journal
$1.00

Some of our favourite birds that we have discovered in the north: (and managed to take a picture of!)

“Downy Woodpecker”

Moosonee, Ontario

“Dark Eyed Junco”
Moosonee, Ontario

(Photo Credit: Jesse Burman, my husband)

“Chickadee”
Moosonee, Ontario

“Willow Ptarmigan”
James Bay, Northern Ontario

“Partridge”
Moose River Area, Northern Ontario

“Wild Turkeys”
Muskoka, Ontario

“Whisky Jack”/”Canada Jay”,
Moose River area, Northern Ontario

Thank you for your interest in this product designed by Northbird!

**Please Note that this is a DIGITAL FILE. There is no physical product from this purchase. After purchasing, there is a link that is automatically sent to your email where you can access your new file. (Email address is required at checkout).

Click HERE to buy this Package
Bird Watching Nature Journal
$1.00

Did your kids or students make this Birdwatching Craft?

I’d LOVE to see your results!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

This Free Birdwatching Survey Sheet PDF is available to download HERE.

More on “Discovering Birds“:

More Homeschooling Crafts & Activities to Check Out:

Hi, I’m Jessie!

I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

Read more about my story HERE.

Subscribe to Northbird’s email list to get weekly posts on: tasty recipes, activity ideas for kids, natural living tips, and some genuine mom thoughts and encouragement!

Recent posts from Northbird:

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

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Resurrection Eggs Kids Activity: 12 Moments of the True Easter Story (Free PDF Download)

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This is a fun way to explore the true Easter story with your kids or students!

All you need is some pop-open Easter eggs, a carton, the attached free pdf below, and (optional) some simple materials found around your home to help this incredible true story be presented in a hands-on activity for your kids.

Each egg will contain a symbol of something that can be found around your home, representing an event in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

There is a list of suggestions and ideas for items that can be inserted into each of the eggs. This free PDF list can be downloaded in the package below.

Alternatively, there are some beautiful and realistic picture print-outs to cut and insert instead, if you’d rather not do a scavenger hunt to find everything from around your home!

Scripture:

There are 12 scripture passages from the gospels that can be cut and inserted into their corresponding eggs. For this free package version, all scriptures are in New International Version.

Use a 12-egg sized egg carton to enclose all these resurrection story eggs, and if desired, you can use one of the 2 label options in the free download package below to cut and glue or tape to the top of the egg carton.

We secured ours with 2 large elastics to help store it for next year without it accidentally opening and losing all the eggs!

Here are a few ideas of how to use this Resurrection Egg Activity with your kids this Easter:

  • Hide all the eggs (pre-filled and with numbers written on the outside) and get the kids to find them in or outside your home. When the eggs are all found, have them put the eggs into an egg carton in numerical order. Have the kids take turns opening the eggs in order, reading the scripture and discussing the object inside and what it represents within the story.

  • During your Easter celebration gathering (like during a meal), each of the eggs are handed out (pre-filled and with numbers written on the outside) around the table. To begin, the person who has Egg #1 will open theirs, show the object or image inside, and then read the scripture verse. Then whoever has Egg #2 will do the same, and then continue until all the eggs have been opened and scriptures read.

  • Have a Scavenger hunt around your home to find either the tangible items needed (ideas listed below), or some printed & cut images from the free PDF below that have been hidden. Once the kids have returned with their “loot”, have them take turns opening the eggs in order and reading the scripture printout that has been concealed inside. Then they can discuss which of the printed images that they found matches the scripture and then put it inside the egg.

Supplies Needed:

  • 12 Easter Eggs, pop open/plastic
  • Egg carton -Cartons with closable lids are nice for the free label (below) and saving it for next year!
  • Scissors
  • Tape or Gluestick
  • Permanent marker
  • Resurrection Eggs: Free PDF Download Package Containing:
    • Resurrection Eggs: Image Inserts
    • Resurrection Eggs: Egg Insert Ideas
    • Resurrection Eggs: Scripture Readings (NIV)
    • Egg Carton Labels

Download Resurrection Eggs: Free PDF Package —–HERE

Directions:

  1. Choose 1 of the three activity ideas listed above for how to use these resurrection eggs.
  2. Print the Free PDFs listed above.
  3. Either use the egg insert ideas or cut out images from the PDF download file for each egg.
  4. With a permanent marker: number each egg from 1-12 and number the bottom of the egg carton pockets.
  5. Cut out the scripture boxes and fold or roll up to put inside each egg (match the egg numbers to applicable verses)
  6. Choose one of the egg carton labels, cut and glue or tape it to the top of your egg carton.

Highlights of the Easter Story that are used in this activity: (Each of these egg insert suggestions are also written on a PDF that can be downloaded in the package above)

Egg #1: The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:7-9)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Small leaf (like a bay leaf)
  • Cut out a mini palm branch from green paper
  • Little toy donkey
  • “Donkey” & “palm branch” image (free download above)

Egg #2: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • 3 small coins –we use 3 dimes (30 cents) to represent 30 pieces of silver
  • “Silver coins” image

Egg #3: The Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Cracker
  • Mini Communion Cup
  • Mini play food from toys (legos, barbiedoll, playmobile, etc)
  • Passover “Matzo Bread” & “cup” image

Egg #4: Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Dried or real flowers, herbs, etc
  • Mini toy flowers or trees
  • “Olive Tree” image

Egg #5: Jesus Arrested and Beaten (John 18:2-3, John 19:1-3)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • 3 short strings about 2″ long, tied at one end to represent a “whip”
  • A few short thorny twigs (rosebush, raspberry bush, etc)
  • “Crown of thorns” image

Egg #6: Jesus Crucified on a Cross (Luke 23:33-34)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • 3 Nails (small enough to fit inside the egg)
  • Cross (cut from brown paper, or make one from sticks, tape or glue together)
  • “Nails” and “cross” image

Egg #7: Soldiers Gambled for Jesus’ Clothing (John 19:23-24)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Dice
  • “Dice” image

Egg #8: Jesus Gave up His Spirit (John 19:28-30)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Piece of a sponge on a toothpick
  • “sponge” image

Egg #9: Jesus’ Body Wrapped in a White Linen & Laid in a Tomb (Mark 15:42-46)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • White cotton cloth
  • Small rock
  • “White linen cloth” image

Egg #10: Women Came with Spices (Mark 16:1-3)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Spices: Peppercorns, Cloves, Star anise, Cardamom, etc (Biblically it was “myrrh” resin and “aloes” -like sandalwood- used to anoint Jesus’ body for burial)
  • Small toy bottle or mini container of liquid
  • “Pottery” image

Egg #11: The Tomb is Empty, He is Risen! (Luke 24:2-8)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • (no physical item suggestion, it’s an EMPTY EGG representing the EMPTY TOMB!)
  • “Empty Tomb” image (provided if you would like something inside each egg)

Egg #12: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:19-20)

Egg insert suggestions:

  • Cotton ball representing the clouds
  • “Jesus going up into heaven” image

Enjoy this Easter Activity?

I’d LOVE to know how it went!!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

More Homeschooling Crafts & Activities to Check Out:

Northbird’s Spring Collection!

Hi, I’m Jessie!

I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

Read more about my story HERE.

Subscribe to Northbird’s email list to get weekly posts on: tasty recipes, activity ideas for kids, natural living tips, and some genuine mom thoughts and encouragement!

Recent posts from Northbird:

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This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

Fun Owl Bird Snack Recipe for Kids

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Somedays, our 3 kids remind me of little birds…one is contentedly “peeping”, while another is incessantly “chirping”, and of course there’s one that just noisily “squawks” if basic needs have not been met (sometimes constant cuddles with Mom strongly falls under this category!)

Let me just say, I love these darlings. Period. However… there are days when the constant noises of active and most-of-the-time happy kids becomes too much for my ears! (Am I right fellow parents?!)

My coping solutions to the noise?? Calming music for me (usually classical), and a good supply of nutritious snacks for these kiddos! Most of the time they can be easily distracted with food… because the majority of the time a contented tummy and full mouth doesn’t need to squack, right?!

About this Snack/Activity:

This snack was fun to make! It not only challenged the creative/artistic side of my brain, but was super tasty to eat too!

The kids and I had been learning about owls and nocturnal animals in homeschooling and this was a perfect mid-morning snack to go along with it! (The hubby was also home that day from teaching at the high school and was quite happy to get a snack that was more interesting than his usual)

Ingredients to Use:

  • Rice cakes were used for the body of the owl. Any large round one works, there are so many types and flavours! We like the plain ones best for this snack though.
  • For the base we used natural peanut butter, but you could also use other nut or seed butters, or hummus! Lather it on thick, this is the main protein part of this snack!
  • We used dehydrated strawberry chips for the owl ears, but you could also use fresh strawberries or another fruit and cut it to size. If you want to learn how to dehydrate your own strawberry chips like we did, you can check out THIS POST to find out more.

  • For the eyes, we sliced on fresh “banana dollars“. (My kids love their bananas!)
  • The wings were made using dehydrated peach slices, which could of course be substituted for fresh slices of peach. Apple or pear slices would work great too!
  • Raisins are the decorative part that tie it all in. You could also sub in cranberries, or other dried berries for this part.

Activities to do with this Owl Bird Snack:

Kids can not only have fun putting this tasty snack together, but they can also use the following resources for learning more about owls.

Craft Activity:

Cut out and paste shapes to create an Owl. You can download this free pdf HERE.

Educational Videos:

This is a a super fun video for younger learners, lots of energy, diagrams and some amazing facts discussed about owls.

This video is longer, at 14 + 1/2 minutes, and probably better suited for grades 1 and up. It is a very well done video by BBC Earth, and shows some baby owlets hatching! It also answers some questions such as “How can Owls fly so quietly?” and “How does an Owl’s hearing work?”
As a heads up: there are some mice that you see getting gobbled up!

How to Make this Owl Bird Snack:

Supplies Needed:

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Spread the peanut/seed butter or hummus on the rice cake nice and thick.
  2. Place the Strawberry slices as ears, banana slices as eyes, and peach (or other) slices as wings.
  3. Place the raisins for additional feathers, a beak, and in the center of the banana eyes.
  4. Eat!!!

Made this Recipe?

I’d LOVE to see your results!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

More Desert & Snack Recipes:

Posts on “Discovering Birds”

Hi, I’m Jessie!

I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

Read more about my story HERE.

Subscribe to Northbird’s email list to get weekly posts on: tasty recipes, activity ideas for kids, natural living tips, and some genuine mom thoughts and encouragement!

Recent posts from Northbird:

Owl Bird Healthy Snack for Kids

  • Servings: 1 Owl
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Print

Jessica Burman, 2025 © The Northbird Blog. https://www.thenorthbirdblog.com

Supplies Needed:

  • Paring Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Spreading Knife

    • Ingredients

  • Round Rice Cakes (Body)
  • Natural Peanut Butter, Seed Butter or Hummus (Colouring)
  • Strawberry slices, dried or fresh (Ears)
  • Round Banana slices (Eyes)
  • Peach, Apple or Pear slices (Wings)
  • Raisins (Feathers, Beak, Eyeballs)

    • Directions:

    1. Spread the peanut/seed butter or hummus on the rice cake nice and thick.
    2. Place the Strawberry slices as ears, banana slices as eyes, and peach (or other) slices as wings.
    3. Place the raisins for additional feathers, a beak, and in the center of the banana eyes.
    4. Eat!!!

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    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure HERE.

    Fun Salt Water Painting Activity for Kids

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    Return to “Ocean Life”

    Jump to Printable Activity Card

    Investigating Salt Water in Homeschooling:

    This is a simple and fun painting craft using salt and watercolours!

    We did this easy activity as part of our inquiry into Ocean Life last year, learning about the difference between salt and fresh large bodies of water.

    My kids loved doing this freestyle watery painting and then getting to sprinkle it with table salt. It left a textured feel to the painting, as well as altering the colours while the salt dried on the wet paper.

    As a side note, we live near James Bay, Northern Ontario, and the river not far from our house is mostly fresh water. However, because it flows into James Bay (which is connected to the Arctic Ocean) and has some tidal changes, it carries back some salinity to our community area.

    If you read a previous post on “Exploring Salt Water Density: Homeschooling Egg Experiment”, you might already see or understand a little of the relationship between salt and water. This egg experiment was to test the different levels of density in each of these water glasses, and compare it to the egg’s own density.

    (Spoiler alert, the kids made an egg float in salted water!)

    Educational Videos: A little more about Salt and Saltwater!

    Where Does Salt Come From?

    Why The Ocean Needs Salt:

    How to Make a Salt Water Painting:

    Supplies Needed:

    Directions:

    1. Put white card stock paper on tray.

    2. Paint picture as desired with ocean colours (or more!)

    3. Sprinkle table salt over the painting.

    4. Spray paper with water to help the salt dissolve a little and alter the colours.

    5. Let painting completely dry, then gently brush off the extra salt and enjoy the results!

    Made this Activity?

    I’d LOVE to see your results!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

    Check out these other Ocean Crafts and Activities!

    Hi, I’m Jessie!

    I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

    Read more about my story HERE.

    More Homeschooling Crafts & Activities to Check Out:

    Subscribe to Northbird’s email list to get weekly posts on: tasty recipes, activity ideas for kids, natural living tips, and some genuine mom thoughts and encouragement!

    Recent posts from Northbird:

    Salt Water Painting Activity

    This is a fun way to paint using salt and watered down paints! Our kids loved the texture the salt left on the paper, as well as the way the salt affected the way their pictures turned out!



    Jessica Burman, 2025 © The Northbird Blog. https://www.thenorthbirdblog.com

    Ingredients

  • Watercolours Paints (you can also use food colouring and water, or watered down other paints)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Tray
  • White Cardstock Paper
  • Table Salt
  • Spray Bottle with water
  • Flat surface to let pictures dry


    • Directions

    1. Put white card stock paper on tray.
    2. Paint picture as desired with ocean colours (or more!)
    3. Sprinkle table salt over the painting.
    4. Spray paper with water to help the salt dissolve a little and alter the colours.
    5. Let painting completely dry, then gently brush off the extra salt and enjoy the results!

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    Creative Potato Stamping Art for Kids

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    Valentine Season is Just Around the Corner…

    This thought went through my mind a few weeks ago in January, as I was thinking ahead and planing out what blog post topics to write about next. And then on January 31, my dear husband (being the planner and organizer that he is) said:

    “Honey, aren’t you doing a homeschooling valentine exchange again this year? You should probably start sending them out next week.”

    I turned a little defensive in my response, saying that there was plenty of time until the 14th –but then I realized that he was right.

    Things ALWAYS take longer than we anticipate, especially when kids are involved in the production, inscription, and assembly of cards to mail out…and then there’s our slightly sluggish postal system.

    Living in a remote part of Canada is absolutely beautiful and I am so so thankful to live here in Moosonee. But in regards to sending and receiving mail –You get the point!

    So yes. The hubby wins brownie points for helping me keep track of the date and keeping my commitment to mailing valentine cards across Canada.

    The Solution?

    We rummaged around in the potato bin and found some thick russet potatoes that would work to try some potato stamping art, and found the heart-shaped cookie cutters that had been hiding since last year. A little cutting of potato, applying of paint and voila! Some original artwork that the kids were very proud of!

    How to Make Potato Stamp Art & Valentine Cards:

    Supplies Needed:

    Directions:

    1. Wash potatoes and lightly dry the outside. Cut in half at thickest point. Pat dry the inside.
    2. Press cookie cutter into the white flesh, then cut down the sides of the cookie cutter (see picture). Remove the cookie cutter once shape is achieved.
    3. Squirt paint onto paper plate. Dab the potato in the paint and begin stamping!

    Homemade Cards:

    1. We did the potato stamping first on cream-coloured paper, then let it dry for 30 minutes.

    2. I then cut 1 page of card stock paper in half for making 2 cards (8.5″x11″ paper size), and folded those in half.

    3. We then cut and trimmed the potato stamped art, and glued it to a red-coloured paper background.

    4. Lastly we glued the red paper to the front of the prepared white cardstock cards. We kept it simple due to time and somewhat limited focus for the kiddos, but at this point you can decorate and inscribe as desired!

    6. Enclose with one of these simple white envelopes that fit perfectly!

    Made this Craft?

    I’d LOVE to see your results!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

    Other Posts About Valentine’s Day

    More Homeschooling Crafts & Activities to Check Out:

    Hi, I’m Jessie!

    I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

    Read more about my story HERE.

    Subscribe to Northbird’s email list to get weekly posts on: tasty recipes, activity ideas for kids, natural living tips, and some genuine mom thoughts and encouragement!

    Recent posts from Northbird:

    Creative Potato Stamping Art for Kids

    • Difficulty: Easy
    • Print


    By Jessica Burman © 2025 The Northbird Blog http://www.thenorthbirdblog.com

    Supplies Needed:

  • Potatoes (large enough to cut in half and fit a cookie cutter into it)
  • Cookie cutters (For Valentine Cards we used heart shaped ones)
  • Paring Knife
  • Paint (for smaller kids I would use non-toxic paint, but acrylic paint works better in my opinion)
  • Paper Plate or other disposable etc for putting paint on
  • Glue sticks
  • Scissors
  • Cardstock paper
  • Coloured Paper
  • Envelopes


    • Directions:

    1. Wash potatoes and lightly dry the outside. Cut in half at thickest point. Pat dry the inside.
    2. Press cookie cutter into the white flesh, then cut down the sides of the cookie cutter (see picture). Remove the cookie cutter once shape is achieved.
    3. Squirt paint onto paper plate. Dab the potato in the paint and begin stamping!

    Homemade Cards:

    1. We did the potato stamping first on cream-coloured paper, then let it dry for 30 minutes.
    2. I then cut 1 page of card stock paper in half for making 2 cards (8.5″x11″ paper size), and folded those in half.
    3. We then cut and trimmed the potato stamped art, and glued it to a red-coloured paper background.
    4. Lastly we glued the red paper to the front of the prepared white cardstock cards. We kept it simple due to time and somewhat limited focus for the kiddos, but at this point you can decorate and inscribe as desired!
    5. Enclose with one of these simple white envelopes that fit perfectly!

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    Birdwatching Binocular Craft with Bird Survey Printables

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    Jump to Binocular Activity Card

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    Birds: A Natural Homeschooling Inquiry…

    Learning about birds in our homeschool studies is one of the easiest topics to investigate in my opinion, simply because it is on-going, and the kid’s curiosity is spring boarded from seeing “who” comes to our bird feeders!

    This is such a natural discovery process that leaps into questions of:

    “Where do the birds go when it is raining or snowing?”

    “What do birds eat when we forget to fill up the bird feeder?”

    “Why are the birds chasing each other in the sky?”

    Even though questions from these little treasures may be nearly constant some days, I am learning to pray for patience and view them as a golden opportunity for the kids to learn.

    A “Whisky Jack”/”Canada Jay”,
    Moose River area, Northern Ontario

    Honestly, there are so many days that we have dropped the math or language arts lessons to simply go stare out the window for several minutes to watch the various feathered creatures fly around, eat at our feeders, scratch for worms and bugs, or pick up grass for their nests.

    There is always something to learn from watching birds, even if it is to realize our need to sit still, and step away from whatever business is in our lives while we quietly observe these beautiful creatures. Birdwatching is so calming, both for myself and also my very busy children!

    I love how one can almost hear a pin drop if they are watching the birds from our window. They have learned to be as quiet as they can and not move so the birds don’t get spooked!

    A downy woodpecker hanging on to have a snack.

    One of our favourite types of bird feeders is the clear plastic one above  ↑ (The Window Cafe, similar to THIS ONE available on Amazon) that suctions right onto the window glass!

    A “Whisky Jack” eating from one of our homemade bird feeders.

    You can check out THIS POST if you are interested in seeing how we made these easy & seedy paper roll bird feeders.

    About this Craft:

    This bird-based inquiry craft is an easy set up, inexpensive, and can be completed as simple or fancy as you like!

    I must give credit to my sister-in-law “L” for first having the idea several years ago and making two quick sets for our toddlers to decorate with stickers when they were having trouble getting along with each other!

    I hope you and your students have fun making this simple fun birding craft!

    Watch and Record!

    Don’t forget to watch and record what types of birds your kids can find using their new birdwatching binoculars!

    You can download this Free Birdwatching Survey Sheet PDF HERE.

    Have a student that loves to record and draw?

    My daughter loves drawing! I created this bird survey tool as a way for her to record and draw the different birds that she finds around our home in Northern Ontario. It will be a great keepsake in years to come.

    This birdy resource will encourage students to get outside into nature and watch and listen for the many amazing different bird species out there! It is non-specific to any geographical area, and is to be used as an interactive survey tool.

    On each page students can record:

    • The name of the BIRD sighted
    • Date/Time
    • Location of the BIRD
    • Colour and any notable markings of the BIRD
    • Behavior of the BIRD (what was the bird doing?)

    At the bottom of each page there is a framed box where students can DRAW their impression of what the bird looked like, or what it was doing (flying, perching, nesting, etc)

    This PDF file has been designed to be easily printed, folded and stapled together, making it an easy handout to either print and make ahead of time for younger students, or have the older students assemble it themselves!

    This Bird Watching Printable Journal is available to purchase and download from my store on Teachers Pay Teachers HERE.

    How to Make Paper Binoculars

    Supplies Needed:

    Decorating suggestions:

    Directions:

    1. If you are using paper towel rolls, first cut them in half. If using toilet paper rolls, make sure they are completely bare!

    2. Cut coloured paper into strips for a background, then wrap around and tape in place.

    3. Cut a different colour of paper into thinner strips and also wrap and tape into place. (*Note: it helps to have all the tape along one side, so that when you staple it together, the tape can be hidden)

    4. Staple together the two rolls where they touch when held together, (tape side in), stapling twice both at the top and bottom.

    5. Use a single hold punch, make a small hole about 1/2 inch below the eye hole top, opposite from the staples (see picture).

    6. Insert string into hole and tie a large knot at the end of the string to hold it in place.

    7. It’s time to begin using the binoculars!

    Made this Craft?

    I’d LOVE to see your results!! Feel free to post to your social media account and tag Northbird using one of the links below or post in the comments!

    More Homeschooling Crafts & Activities to Check Out:

    Hi, I’m Jessie!

    I’m a Wife and Homeschooling Mom living in a remote town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I love making wholesome meals for my family from scratch, homeschooling our girls and learning more about natural living.

    Read more about my story HERE.

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    Birdwatching Binocular Craft

    This is a fun bird inquiry craft to make at home: Kids can make their own binoculars and decorate them as simple or as decorative as they like!



    By Jessica Burman © 2025 The Northbird Blog http://www.thenorthbirdblog.com

    Supplies Needed:

  • String or Twine
  • Scissors
  • Stapler
  • Tape
  • Single Hole Punch
  • Coloured Paper
  • Inside cardboard roll from toilet paper or paper towel rolls


    • Decorating Ideas:

  • Paint
  • Markers
  • Stickers (These watercolour bird stickers are gorgeous!)
  • Coloured Ribbons
  • Washi Tape

    • Directions:

    1. If you are using paper towel rolls, first cut them in half. If using toilet paper rolls, make sure they are completely bare!
    2. Cut coloured paper into strips for a background, then wrap around and tape in place.
    3. Cut a different colour of paper into thinner strips and also wrap and tape into place. (*Note: it helps to have all the tape along one side, so that when you staple it together, the tape can be hidden)
    4. Staple together the two rolls where they touch when held together, (tape side in), stapling twice both at the top and bottom.
    5. Use a single hold punch, make a small hole about 1/2 inch below the eye hole top, opposite from the staples (see picture).
    6. Insert string into hole and tie a large knot at the end of the string to hold it in place.
    7. It’s time to begin using the binoculars!

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