Page 3 - Kind News, Jr. Teacher Guide Nov/Dec 2021

ANSWER KEY DO ACTIVITIES

ONLINE AT

Critter Clues FROM PAGE 7 KINDNEWS.ORG!

Our mystery critter is the parakeet. Parakeets, part of the parrot
family, are native to Australia. The term parakeet describes a group of
parrots that are small with long tail feathers and slender bodies. In
Australia these colorful birds live in flocks and are also known as
budgerigars, or “budgies” for short.
Parakeets are very popular pets, only surpassed in popularity by cats,
dogs, and fish! They are social, can be very easily trained, and often form
strong bonds with their human companions. Parakeets are also excellent
imitators. Some can learn many words and phrases, while others may just
mimic human sounds.
Although parakeets are sometimes seen as “easy” pets because of their
small size and social nature, they need specific care to stay happy and healthy.
opposite page, from top: jane sobel klonsky, courtesy of the chaser initiative; redrover. this page: (critter clues) den trushtin/unsplash.
They need a balanced diet with parakeet seed or pellets, chopped dark green and
yellow vegetables, fruit, eggs, and cheese. Parakeets also need mineral blocks and cuttlebones to make sure
they get all of their nutrients. Cuttlebones also help prevent parakeets' beaks from becoming overgrown.
Parakeets need a well thought-out living environment. Provide a long cage with perches, chew toys, and other
entertainment such as ladders, swing toys, and toys with bells. They need ample time out of the cage every day and
lots of interaction. Because of their social nature, it is often best to get a pair of parakeets so they can socialize with
each other in addition to their human companions. If you get two parakeets, it’s best to get two males.
Parakeets are one of the many wild birds that are used in the illegal bird trade, which threatens many species of
parrots and has spurred the increase of wild bird breeding facilities. If you’re interested in adopting a parakeet,
reach out to a rescue or sanctuary that helps birds in need. Interested in volunteering instead? Reach out to your
local rescue or sanctuary to learn how you can be involved.

The Science of Learning Crossword FROM PAGE 6
1 A
P T
2 ACROSS
L T 3. To say something nice to
P P R A I S E
3 someone like “Good job!”
Y N 4. To help someone learn Where’s Raja?
something new
T E A C H 6. Being sure of yourself and

4 RAJA IS HIDING ON PAGE 7!
I what you can do
O 5 L 7. A strong friendship when
C C O N F I D E N T
6 people or animals trust each other
A
R DOWN
N D
7 BB O 1. To pay _______ to someone is to
carefully notice things about them
2. To do a fun game or activity
5. To gain new knowledge