One of my fondest learning experiences from elementary school was in fourth grade, when we had immersive lessons on birds. This has stayed with me for years because of the multi-sensory nature of the experience. I still have the bird book we used as text.

Our teacher encouraged us to read about birds and listen to bird calls. We drew them in ink and in paint. Our capstone project involved making something tangible for real birds.

I chose to make a bird bath. Nothing fancy. A plastic plate affixed to a wooden stand and base. I remember asking for help and my father generously spending hours with me, helping me to observe how it ought to be fastened together.

He never took over, though clearly he should have. My attempt was rudimentary at best, and it came apart at the bus stop. Leaving me........

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