Baby ducks, duck feathers, pizza, and a story about a crazy note-writing duck all combined to make our Giggle, Giggle, Quack Nature Book Club a ducky party school.
Giggle, Giggle, Quack Book Club Discussion
This month our nature book club was inspired by the book, Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin. This is a sequel to the hilarious, CLICK, CLACK, MOO: Cows That Type.
This book was the perfect introduction to our book club on ducks, of course. I read the book to our homeschooling group on a lovely spring day.
The kids laughed at Duck's antics and excitedly guessed at what his next trick would be. You can read a full summary of the book at my article in Homeschooling Today Magazine.
Then we had some Giggle, Giggle, Quack inspired snacks!
Giggle, Giggle, Quack Book Club Snacks
At our nature book club, homeschool moms volunteer to bring snacks. This month, the mom took a cue from the book and had pineapple and pizza (bites). We opted for no anchovies. We aren't chickens, you know.
We took our nature book club outside for a lovely picnic on a beautiful spring day! But, we did choose a little decorations with our rubber duckies as a fun parting gift for the kiddos.
Giggle, Giggle, Quack Book Club Activities
Duck Anatomy Facts - Diagrams Of Ducks & Anatomy
Here is a diagram of the external anatomy of a Drake (male duck). Drakes (male ducks) are brightly coloured with iridescent (brilliant, colourful effect) green feathers on thier heads, light brown feathers on outer wings and a dark brown plumage. Ducks have orange, sometimes red webbed feet.
Since our book was about a troublemaker duck, we decided to spend our time talking about ducks. Specifically, we wondered how ducks stay warm and don't become waterlogged when they spend so much time in the water.
We learned that ducks have many layers of feathers which helps keep them bouyant. We learned this from the awesome Hank Green and the SciShow.
Then we studied the duck's feathers and learned about the uropygial gland (or preening gland). This gland produces oil that is used by the ducks to waterproof their feathers.
We finished off our study of feathers by drawing some feathers from our party supplies. Yes, I am aware that they aren't duck feathers, but they were still fun to draw and the kids did a great job.
But, the biggest hit of the nature book clubs was...
the ducks!
Fortunately for me, my mother had been thinking about getting some ducks for her pond. I helped her out by running to the local farmer's co-op and picking up a few. My husband was a little worried when I came home with ducks. He says I keep getting the animals we learn about and adding them to the family.
I guess I need to rethink that book club on zebras next month!
The kids were very excited to get to touch and observe a duckling. They learned about feeding them and how to care for them before we sent them to their new home.
And, we learned that these ducks will change colors as adults. Maybe I do need a duck!
Giggle, Giggle, Quack Online Book Club
We had so much fun with our ducky day that we decided to extend it to more fun the rest of the month!
Go on a nature trek with us based on Giggle, Giggle, Quack.
Let's read the book, Giggle, Giggle, Quack.
Then let's go on rabbit trails of discovery about ducks, pigs, cows, farming, and more! We will toss some magic dust in the air and jump into the book with hands-on adventures.
And when we've finished the book, let's throw a party and celebrate Duck and his friends!
This online literary guide has everything you need to study the book. This course includes spelling, grammar, rabbit trails, and connections tonature. It is perfect for a month of elementary language arts and nature study!
Take a Sneak Peek into our Giggle, Giggle, Quack Online Nature Book Club:
Book List
This post may contain affiliate links. or this book club, we will be using the book Giggle, Giggle, Quack by Doreen Cronin. You can purchase it in digital, paperback and hardcover formats. It is also available at many local libraries. This is the only book you will need for this book club.
Hi, I’m Dachelle. I’m a homeschooling mom of 3 in the South. I love chocolate and have been known to hide it from my children. I can often be found reading a good book (or even sometimes just an okay book) and enjoying a jar of Nutella — don’t judge. I blog, here, at HideTheChocolate.com when I’m not creating book clubs and making lists…lots and lots of lists (it’s an addiction). Learn more…
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