We had been learning all about (non feathered) Flying creatures and I asked Miss K to choose one species to write a report on. She choose Bats.
Miss K has been fascinated by them ever since we saw one outside a Star bucks (of all places). While crossing the parking lot we heard some commotion outside the store. Three men were pointing up and dancing around. They were seemingly terrified! It turned out there was a (very) tiny bat that must have decided to come out of his sleeping spot a few hours early. It was just sitting there looking at everyone and the kids thought it was hilarious that they were 'freaking out' about a little bat. They had just watched a Wild Kratts episode about Bats. I did explain that some Bats can make you sick if they bite you. Miss K pointed out that a Bat would bite you if you are yelling and screaming at it. Good point!
I had a Bat and Bat Skeleton image from Evan Moor and used this to create a shape book.
This Bat image and Bat Skeleton will also work well if you would like to make bat book too!
Our Books
We loved the Little Red Bat By Carol Gerber. Little Bat is faced with a big decision and visits all the creatures in the wood to ask their opinion on whether she should fly south for the Winter. It is a good introduction to Bats, Migration and food chains. Christina Wald's illustrations are full of expressive but realistic Animals in detailed forest scenes. You will want to look closely at each page to make sure you don't miss something!
We love the National Geographic kids Magazine so Miss K wanted to borrow this title from the Library. It is full of information and the amazing photos that Nat Geo is known for. I really like this series as they appeal to a wide range of ages.
Merlin Tuttle's 'American Neighborhood Bats' surprised me. I had borrowed it for the Photographs but I ended up enjoyed reading the sections on how important they are and the many myths and fears that surround them. It is written more for adults but in a few years I think Miss K will enjoy it too.
Our Online Bat Resources:
Are Bats Blind? from Discovery Kids
Incredible Bats.com is a great site where you can 'X-ray a bat', watch Bat Videos, take a Bat Quiz and more.
Creature features -Vampire-bat @ Nat geo Kids
Bat rescue.org
