Discovering the Chiffchaff
1. Introduction
Show the video "Il-Vjolin tax-Xitwa/The Chiffchaff" present in the Downloadable Materials and ask guiding questions such as:
“Have you seen small birds in winter?”, “What do you notice about this bird’s colour or size?”
Explain that Chiffchaffs are small migratory birds that can be spotted in gardens and habitats with trees or shrubs during the winter months.
2. Outdoor Observation Activity
Organize an outing to a school garden, backyard, or nearby green area with some tree presence. Encourage children to look and listen quietly for small, active birds and listen for the characteristic “chiff-chaff” song. Remind children to move slowly and observe without disturbing the birds.
3. Focused Observation & Recording
If a Chiffchaff is seen or heard, guide children to notice:
- Size and shape (small, delicate bird);
- Colour patterns (greenish-brown upperparts, lighter underparts);
- Behaviour (hopping, flicking tail, singing);
Children can sketch the bird or write notes about what they observed.
4. Creative Follow-Up
Back indoors or outside, children can colour the "Chiffchaff Postcard" in the Downloadable Materials using paint, crayons, or natural materials (leaves, small stones).
Resources & Equipment Needed
- Binoculars (optional);
- Art and craft supplies of your choice.
You can download these instructions in PDF by clicking here: Generate PDF
Downloadable Material
Il-Vjolin tax-Xitwa
YouTube Video
Il-Vjolin tax-Xitwa (EN sub)
YouTube Video
Chiffchaff Postcard
PDF Document
Make sure to take photos of:
1. Children exploring the garden2. Children observing quietly outdoors
3. Finished Chiffchaff artworks
Learning Outcomes & Curriculum Integration
Sorry but this is currently not available - will be added soon!