Laleh and the Language of the Birds: Fun Activity Ideas

Create small "strange gifts" for each other and hide them around the house. Discussion Tip: Talk about why the crow brothers choose specific items for Laleh and what they might symbolize.

Instructions:

1. Mold small figures out of craft clay to represent magical gifts.

2. Wrap the gifts in shiny aluminum foil so they catch the light.

3. Hide the items in a "sanctuary" space like a bookshelf or garden area.

4. Write a riddle on a small note as a clue to help the other person find the gift.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Craft clay or dough

• Shiny aluminum foil

Design a map of the mythical sky realm using household recyclables. Discussion Tip: Ask your child to name the "obstacles" that stand between our world and the sky realm.

Instructions:

1. Spread a large piece of cardboard on the floor to serve as the map base.

2. Cut shapes from recycled paper to represent mountains, clouds, and bird habitats.

3. Glue the shapes onto the map and draw paths between them.

4. Label your map with fictional names inspired by the story.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Cardboard scraps

• School glue stick

Create a personalized bird-watching journal to document local birds. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what kind of "magical bird" they would design if they lived in Avesia.

Instructions:

1. Decorate the cover of the journal with bird sketches.

2. Take a walk outside to observe the behaviors of local birds.

3. Draw the birds you see and write down one "secret" observation about how they move.

4. Add stickers or colorful borders to differentiate between types of birds.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Blank paper notebook

• Colored felt tip markers

Create a secret code or cipher to communicate like Laleh. Discussion Tip: Discuss how hard it would be to keep a secret when you are the only one who understands the bird language.

Instructions:

1. Assign a symbol or a bird sound to every letter of the alphabet.

2. Write the code on an index card to keep as a reference key.

3. Write short notes to each other using the new code.

4. Challenge each other to decode the "messages from the sanctuary".

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Index cards

• Colored gel pens

Construct a mini diorama of a bird sanctuary using a shoe box. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what specific features a bird would look for in a perfect home.

Instructions:

1. Paint or line the inside of the shoe box to create a sky or forest background.

2. Cut out bird shapes from construction paper and hang them with string.

3. Add natural items like small twigs or dried leaves to the bottom to represent the sanctuary floor.

4. Position the diorama on a shelf to display the "sanctuary" secret.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Empty shoe box

• Construction paper set