Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Activity 4: Pinecone Feeder

Part of World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Pinecones, at least two for each participant
  • String or yarn
  • Vegetable shortening, oats, a large mixing bowl, several additional bowls, and spoons
  • Bird seed, and several shallow dishes
  • Roll of waxed paper

Preparation for Activity

  • Cut string or yarn into three-foot lengths (one for each pinecone).
  • Mix shortening and oats in a large bowl. Then, distribute the mixture among additional bowls for children to share, and set a few spoons in each bowl.
  • Pour bird seed into several shallow dishes for children to share.
  • Tear off about 18 inches of waxed paper as a work surface for each child; later, the children can wrap their finished pinecone feeders in the waxed paper to take home. (If children will make extra pinecone feeders, tear off extra sheets of waxed paper.)
  • Set bowls, spoons, and dishes on work tables within easy reach of all participants.
  • Optional: Plan to have children make more than one feeder each, and choose a space outside your congregation to hang feeders. As needed, obtain permission from congregational grounds committee and/or staff.

Description of Activity

Children create a simple bird feeder.

Demonstrate, and then help children as needed:

1. Tie a piece of string or yarn to the top of the pinecone.

2. Create a loop for hanging.

3. Cover the surface of the pinecone with the shortening mixture, filling in the spaces between the scales.

4. Roll the pinecone in the birdseed until it is covered completely.

5. Wrap the pinecone feeder in waxed paper to take home.

Optional: Go outside to hang pinecone feeders at the congregation.