Basic Supplies Needed: Copy of the book Sticks and Stones and a backyard or park.
Parents should first read the book and determine which social skill their child needs from the Verbal Toolbox.
- The Way of the Blue Jayteaches children to tell people directly how they feel about things.
- The Way of the Crowteaches children to intelligently and calmly respond to blame and criticism.
- The Way of the Hummingbirdteaches children how to respond to teasing by others - even if they are bigger.
- The Way of the Doveteaches children to resolve conflict successfully.
- The Way of the Blackbirdteaches children confidence in social conversation.
- The Way of the Owlteaches children to identify the relationships between feelings and thoughts and how to respond to self-defeating thoughts to solve problems.
- The Way of the Hawkteaches children how to relax and pay attention.
Each section has a script pertaining to that bird. Write the script in your own words, maybe even as a story so that you can incorporate it naturally when you are working on the project.
Use your computer and your neighborhood to explore the birds from the book. Here are some activity ideas:
- Find pictures of birds to print out and color for your younger children. Tell the story of that bird as your child colors.
Blue Jay Texas A&M
Crow EPA
Hummingbird Bonus.com
Dove Birding
Dove Texas A & M
Owl Texas Parks and Wildlife
Owl Texas A&M
Hawk Birding
- Listen to bird sounds on the computer so you can identify their presence outdoors. Sit in the backyard or take a walk to listen for these birds. In your own words, tell your child the lesson the bird teaches when you hear the bird's call.
Blue Jay scroll down The Aviary
Crow The Aviary
Hummingbird Naturesongs
Dove Naturesongs
Blackbird Tony Phillips
Owl Texas Parks and Wildlife
Hawk Naturesongs
How to Remember Bird Songs
- Learn interesting facts about each bird - where they are found, their habits and importance to the environment. Discuss how the bird's characteristics match the lesson in the book.
Books for Young Birders
All About Birds The Fledgling Corner
Blue Jay eNature.com
Crows.net
Crows eNature.com
Hummingbirds.net
Ruby Throated Hummingbird Petersons
Hummingbirds eNature.com
Doves eNature.com
Red Winged Blackbird eNature.com
Owls eNature.com
Barn Owl Desert USA
Barn Owl Petersons
Great Horned Owl Petersons
Hawk Watch
Broad Winged Hawk Petersons
Hawks eNature.com
- Attract birds to your yard. A bird who comes to your backyard becomes part of the family in a sense. Strengthen the lesson of that bird to your child by making it a part of your every day life.
Attracting Birds BirdOn!
A Backyard Wildlife Habitat National Wildlife Federation
Backyard Birding
Make Birdhouses with Free Plans
- Join others with an interest in birds. By making connections with others who value birds you further strengthen the identification with the Way of the bird.
American Birding Association Young Birders
National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society Adopt a Bird Program
National Audubon Society's Watchlist for Kids
Online Bird Club Directory
Operation Ruby Throat
International Broad Winged Hawk Survey
As you explore the fascinating world of birds, find opportunities to relate the Way of each bird to the social skill you want your child to learn. Talk about why that skill is important and discuss ways your child can put it to work in his life. Expand on this learning by integrating these valuable techniques from the book into your family's everyday life.
Way of the Blue Jay-Power I, No Thanks, Simple Questions, Squeaky Wheel
Way of the Crow- Mea Culpa, Mighty Might, Sorry Charlie
Way of the Hummingbird- The Shrug, Reverse Tease, Disappearing Act
Way of the Dove- Solution Time, Coin Toss, Cone of Silence
Way of the Blackbird- Sherlock Holmes, True Confessions, Kind Talk
Way of the Owl- But Twist, Solution Time 2, Thought Chop
Way of the Hawk- Mindful Eating, Balloon Belly, Sky Watching, The Rock, Mindful Chores
First Page> Teaching Children Social Skills and Conflict Resolution