The Audubon Docent Guild's Titmouse Club is designed for preschoolers ages 2 ½ to 5 years. Through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts, your children will be inspired with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them. Titmouse Club meets on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, mid-September to mid-May, 10:00 - 11:00 AM.

What is a Titmouse?
A titmouse is a small gray songbird with a white breast and a perky gray crest on its head, hence its full name, "Tufted Titmouse." Titmice are active and gregarious birds commonly seen within the Edith L. Moore Sanctuary. They are often found with chickadees year-round in most of Houston's wooded parks and yards.

Lesson Themes
Each week's Titmouse Club lesson features a different nature theme, focusing on our own Houston-area animals and habitats. We'll enjoy nature stories and puppets, hands-on biofacts, a related craft or activity, and a short walk in the woods, all led by our volunteer docents. Tuesday and Wednesday sessions in one week will present the same nature topic.

Learning Environment
An adult must stay with each child or family at Titmouse Club. You're welcome to bring your younger children with you as well. However, we do ask that you take these younger ones aside if they begin to disrupt the program. We would greatly appreciate your attention to the program as well. Also, encourage your child to leave your lap and sit up close around the storyteller so each child can hear well and see all the pictures shown.

Docents will lead the lessons and activities, but cannot be responsible for supervising each child. Please keep an eye on your children for their safety and enjoyment during the program. Thank you for helping us to create a pleasant educational environment.

Parking
Titmouse Club attendees should park in the west parking lot of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church (12955 Memorial Drive). Enter the Edith L Moore Sanctuary through the marked gate in the fence near the rear of the church lot.

Program Fees
The cost is $4.00 per participating child. Cards for five prepaid sessions for $20.00 are available, or you can bring correct change each time you attend. Please make checks payable to the Audubon Docent Guild. Credit Cards are not accepted. No reservations are necessary for Titmouse Club, and class size is limited to the first 20 children who arrive.

Weather
We hardy Titmice carry on even when it's cold and rainy, so don't let bad weather keep you away. We gather outside whenever possible, but we always have the heated log cabin for cozy shelter. Spring Titmice programs tend to fill up quickly so get here early to make sure you get a good spot!

2008-2009 Schedule
(some repeated favorites and some new material)

Hope you enjoy being Titmice as much as we do!

- Bethany Foshee, Coordinator