Encourage your child to sketch out a plan and picture of the birdhouse. Normally four equal sides and an angled roof with a hole in the center will be a doable and efficient plan. Using your and your child’s math skills, determine how large the birdhouse should be, by drawing to scale. This writer and child opted for one that was 12” x 12” on all four sides and 18”, at the peak of the roof. Make a list of the supplies you’ll need and pick them up at a local home improvement store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. Most likely, you’ll have nails and paint already, so your costs will be minimal.
Supplies Needed
A small handheld drill with a 3/8” bit along with an inexpensive jigsaw is more than adequate to cut the wood. Skil™ has one for around $30. Also, glue, pencil, tape measure, brads (small nails), a hammer, plastic safety glasses, 3/8” hardwood dowel and inexpensive pine—for this project, a 1” x 12” x 10’. Once you’ve gathered all supplies, you’re ready to begin.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Lay out the wood on a steady surface such as a workbench or a couple of sawhorses. With a pencil, draw the front, back, sides, floor and roof on the wood. Measure again. Once you’re satisfied with your calculations, cut on the line or with your supervision, have your child, cut the wood, ensuring that you and your child are wearing safety glasses. Once you’ve cut all the pieces, take the front part of the house and draw a circle (from a glass or other round object) and sketch around. With a 3/8” drill bit and drill, drill a hole, within the circle near an edge. Use that hole to cut the opening (approximately a 2” circumference) with the jigsaw. Drill a hole with the same bit about a half an inch below the circle for the landing roost.
Birdhouse Assembly
Check to make sure your cuts are accurate. If not, then re-measure and re-cut as necessary. Apply glue to the edge of the house’s sides. Attach to the front panel and fasten with brads. Repeat with the houses’ back. Attach the floor using the same technique. Attach the two roof pieces in the same manner. Cut the hardwood dowel to a three to four inch length and insert this in the hole below the front opening. Voila—you have a birdhouse!
Lessons Learned
Once your project is complete, write out a lessons learned plan with the headings “Lesson Learned/Design” and “Construction.” Congratulate him/her about how they used their math and creative skills to design a project. Encourage them to write down what they did—such as using their analytical skills to figure out the measurements and using their mind’s eye and creativity to envision their finished product. In addition, communicate how the two of you were able to decipher these calculations and create a thing of beauty.
Finishing Up
Once the birdhouse is complete, encourage your child to paint or stain, using their artistic and creative vision. Make it personal with their name, such as “Isabelle’s Birdhouse,” with colorful design or leave it to them—make it a project they can call their own.
The result will be a learning experience for both parent and child and a unique and one-of-a kind treasure.
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