Birds in Thirds

This simple folding project contains a challenge.
Estimate where the third divisions are on the diagonal fold in the square piece of paper.

This can be hard for a second grader (it can be hard for some grown-ups!).

Have the children fold a square in half on the diagonal.

Then they should place their index fingers on the fold and slide them back and forth, comparing the lengths of exposed fold until they seem equal. This is where you fold the wings in. They overlap.

Take the very tip of a wing, and fold it up to the bird's shoulder.
Do the same to the other wing.
If you were very good at estimating where to do the first folds, the wings meet in the middle of the chest!

Fold down both layers of paper to make the head and beak.
Tape on some goofy legs.

Add feathers and all the bird face stuff.

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Now for the cool writing part: When you cut copier paper into a square there are all these skinny strips left over. (I have millions.)
Take a strip and shove it down the bird's throat...be sure it is sitting on the bottom of his tummy. On the sticking out part, draw his tongue. (Bird tongues tend to be pointy, if you care.) Cut off the extra sticking out paper...
be sure to leave the tongue attached, though. The picture shows a finished tongue folded down. (Yes, you take it out of the bird to do the cutting!)

Lastly, write a letter, or a story on the bird innards! This makes an unusual card. Glueing the whole bird down is a nice touch.

Science tie-in:

Drawing what the bird ate is another ending that can link to science...Is your bird a seashore bird, like a sandpiper? What might he eat?
Is your bird a bird of prey!? What might an owl eat? an eagle eat?

Some research may be necessary.

This project is "kid tested" and has always been very popular.

Tips for folding paper neatly in half are taken from origami...allign the tips, keep them trapped under a finger while you draw the tips of your other hand to the CENTER of the fold FIRST. Press down the center, THEN you can press the paper towards the edges. Crease it well after this initial pressing that gets it under control.

Any questions or comments? Please feel free to write me, Emma Craib, for any reason. I am an elementary school art teacher in Manchester, Connecticut, USA.