104 NATURE STUDY- BY GRADES 



LESSON XXVI 

 ANIMAL MOVEMENTS 



What birds fly fastest? Make a list of them. What 

 birds fly slowly and awkwardly? Make a list of these, 

 also. Compare the relative length of their wings and the 

 weight of their bodies. Why do the first class need to fly 

 rapidly ? What is their food ? How do they get it ? Do 

 any of them seize their food while on the wing? What 

 are their enemies ? How do they escape or protect them- 

 selves from their enemies ? W T hat aid is a rapid flight in 

 these activities? 



Discuss the birds of slow flight in a similar way. Show 

 a less need in them of the power of rapid flight. 



Which birds run ? Which hop ? Which swim ? 

 . Describe the movements of the cat, dog, rabbit, squirrel, 

 hen, duck, goose, turkey, sparrow, and of other well-known 

 animals and birds, when getting their food or defending 

 themselves, or escaping from their enemies. Note also the 

 shape and size and strength of their limbs, teeth, beak, 

 claws, etc., and how used in food-getting and defense. Let 

 their adaptation be discovered by the pupils. Use pictures 

 and stories of animals as well as familiar live specimens for 

 illustration. 



If the school has an aquarium, the movements of fishes 

 and other animals in the water may be observed and dis- 

 cussed. The crawling of the snake and of various kinds of 

 worms should be noted also, a's opportunities to observe them 

 occur. The children should describe and imitate the various 

 movements observed. 



Several lessons may be devoted to this work. 



