Research-Based Bird Paintings

May 5, 2021 | Becca Brasser

Each first grade student has selected a bird to research and represent through painting. They bring their research folders to the Shared Space and, in this guided setting, create a detailed painting of their chosen bird. They work hard to create realistic feathers, feet, bill, and dimensions.

In the classroom, the students focus each week on one aspect of birds: habitats, nests, feet, beaks, food, eggs, and feathers. They learn about these concepts through the lens of their chosen bird.

The next step will be to create a label for their bird painting including a main idea sentence and several supporting details.

Researching and Painting Birds

Becca Brasser

Teacher, Grade 1

Becca Brasser has been teaching first grade at Mustard Seed School since 2002. She’s passionate about teaching children to read, write, experiment, and take risks as they explore the world around them. Her own studies (including a Master of Arts degree from New Jersey City University) have given her expertise and experience in the area of literacy education.

Ms. Brasser especially enjoys taking her students on field trips all over the New York Metropolitan area, traveling on foot, subway, bus, commuter train, and ferry. Some favorite trips: the Hudson Hike, the New York Transit Museum, and the Central Park Zoo to study penguins.

Although she lives in the city, Ms. Brasser loves escaping to nature and finding it in her everyday life as well. She loves to explore rivers and lakes, woods and mountains with her husband Matt, their daughter, Annika, and son, Theo.

Research-Based Bird Paintings

Researching and Painting Birds

Becca Brasser

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