One of the most well loved aspects of The Peaceful Preschool curriculum is the many easy projects which promote connection between parents and children. As we read books together and then create crafts and recipes that correlate with the books, our children are experiencing multi sensory learning at it's finest.

This Spring, we are diving into lessons about trees, birds, and butterflies, and are fascinated as we watch caterpillars turn into chrysalis, blossoms turn into fruit, and hear the birds singing their joyful song.

One of our favorite activities for any bird study, but especially in spring is to make edible bird's nests. We spend time searching for nests in the trees around us, and even attempting to make our own from bits of hay and grass (a great object lesson in how hard nest building really is!), but when all this learning in nature is done, we head inside to make this edible version.

Edible Birds Nest Treats

INGREDIENTS

1/4 c. butter (1/2 stick)
4 c. miniature marshmallows (I used one package)
1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. chocolate chips
5 c. crispy rice cereal
1 c. dry chow mein noodles
1/2 c. sesame seeds
1 package Cadbury Mini Eggs, or other egg shaped candy

INSTRUCTIONS

• Melt the butter, marshmallows, peanut butter and chocolate chips on low heat in a large saucepan, stirring occasionally.

• While melting, measure cereal, dry noodles and seeds into a bowl. When first four ingredients are melted and combined, add cereal mix and mix well. Drop ping pong ball size mounds onto waxed paper.

• Allow your helpers to press down the middle to form a nest shape. When cool, fill with candy eggs.

For a complete list of picture books used for The Peaceful Preschool click here.

For hands-on learning with your K-6 grade students, check out The Playful Pioneers and The Precious People.