Teacher Tips for Will a Robin Choose Your Neighborhood? Booklet version and Print-and-Fold Instructions BEFORE READING Make Predictions: Why do robins have "territories?" What important robin activities happen in a territory? What do you think a robin looks for when choosing a territory in spring? How will you know if a robin has claimed your backyard or schoolyard for its territory?   DURING READING Critical Thinking. Discuss: • Why is a claiming and defending a good territory so important to a male robin? (It must be safe to protect his family so the baby birds can survive to grow up. It must have adequate food sources and water for the adult parents and the babies of 2 or 3 nestings.) • What survival strategies do female robins use? (They often fight other females for the best males and best territories, ensuring better chances for their babies' survival.) Make Connections: • How is the purpose for a robin nest unlike, say, the purpose for a bear den? A barn for farm animals? (HINT: see page 3 in the booklet.) • If you were moving to a new neighborhood, what things would you like your new neighborhood to have? What things would be most important to your parents? Write your thoughts in your journal, or discuss as a class.   AFTER READING: EXTEND LEARNING In-depth Lessons: • Robin on a Mission (Journey North for Kids) • Ladies Second • Spring Phenology of Robins • Build a Robin's Nest! • Waiting for Buddy: Tale of a Returning Robin Photo Study: Identifying Male or Female Exploring in the Field: Male or Female? Video Clip and Viewing Guide: New Kids on the Block: Claiming a Territory Activity: Map a Robin's Territory [from Robin Territory Study ] NOTE: A robin's territory is usually about half an acre. An acre is about the size of a football field. Journal: See journaling questions in each of the lessons and activities above.