Getting your kids involved with feeding is a great way to teach them about the magical world of hummingbirds - and helps them understand why being kind to animals is important in creating a healthy world. It helps reinforce the connection between them and the natural world, and brings a little of the enchanted into their lives.
Making nectar with your young ones is fun and involves the kids in the feeding process. You can show them how similar they are to hummers - make a batch of nectar (a simple sugar solution: 4 parts water to 1 part sugar) and then make a batch of Kool-Aid. What do you know... the same treat! Yum!
Get your kids excited for hummingbird migration by giving them a character to identify with. Just like Snow White has the seven dwarfs, or the Little Mermaid had Sebastian the crab, there's helpful and humorous Flit the hummingbird in Disney's "Pocahontas".
The 1995 Disney movie "Pocahontas" tells the story of the real-life Powhatan tribe woman who had an infamous romance with Capt. John Smith. Cartoonist Dave Pruiksma animated the hummingbird companion for Pocahontas, and Flit is a fierce protector of his friend. Flit is funny and lively, and his spirited antics with the raccoon Meeko will endear him to your children. After watching you can talk to your kids about Native-American folklore that taught hummingbirds were messengers, giving guidance and awareness.
If you're lucky enough to live near the Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona or take a trip to this southwest destination your kids can see hummingbirds up close and personal. Other aviaries include the San Diego and Detroit Zoo where several species of hummingbirds fly free and your kids can learn about hummers' amazing lives and bodies. Of course the best education you can share is what lies in your own backyard, when your child runs in the house shouting "Come quick! There's a hummingbird outside"!
No comments:
Post a Comment