The teacher opens the Storyline as she reads She Heard the Birds by Andrea D’Aquino. Students are introduced to the famous birdwatcher, Florence Merriam Bailey. They learn about Florence’s life, her love of birds and her activism.

Students are invited to become birdwatchers like Florence. They create birdwatcher characters and consider what it means to be a birdwatcher.

The new birdwatchers embark on an in-depth study of birds and begin to collect bird artifacts. 

Completed bird information is organized on the frieze. Artifacts collected, student writings, photographs, etc. are added as the Storyline progresses.

They imagine what a day would be like from the point of view of a bird through drama and writing. 

Birdwatchers practice watching local birds at home, at school, and in the community. 

Challenges that birds face (incidents) are introduced through bird stories. Students respond to the incidents through discussion, research, drama, and writing. Local bird rescue volunteers share their knowledge and services.

As the Storyline progresses, students become not only birdwatchers but bird experts and activists. They share their new knowledge, expanding and enriching the frieze to create a bird museum. Buddy classes and parents are invited to tour the museum.