Ronald J. Jakubowski
As was previously mentioned, the city is an excellent resource for learning about wildlife. The information you may be seeking about a particular animal is readily attainable. Birds can be observed right on school grounds. The species being discussed have a propensity for making their nests on buildings. They might even live on the school itself: A walk to a nearby park can also be quite revealing. Squirrel activities are observable while bird song fills the air. The Peabody Museum, located in the center of New Haven and easily accessible to all schools, is another good place to get a close-up view of the coloration and physical features of birds and squirrels. The West Rock Nature Center offers the best of both worlds: caged animals for close-up observation and a large wooded area where animals run free.
This unit is necessary, particularly in the elementary and middle grades. Not only are our children hampered by a limited amount of experiences with wildlife, but they are also victims of distorted perceptions. Peer pressure has fostered a disdainful view of nature. It is not uncommon to see birds and squirrels being pelted with rocks or shot at with sling-shots and B-B guns. Nests and eggs, if found, are quickly destroyed in many cases for fun. Television, in particular cartoons, has done much to perpetuate this attitude. The animals in cartoons seemingly have one-hundred lives and are able to withstand the severest of attacks. The number of children whose attitudes about nature have been shaped from these versions of life among animals is surprising. Wildlife education is important.
