Illustrating the life cycle

Recent lessons about animals and the cycle of life were augmented by the arrival of baby chicks, which hatched under the watchful eyes of DES kindergartners last week.

 

Eggs were brought in from a local farm and placed in incubators set at 100 degrees for a period of 21 days.

 

“It felt like 180 days,” said kindergartner Drake Schroer.

 

During that seemingly endless period students were able to learn about the development of chicks within the eggs through a set of illustrations which showed the stage they were at.

 

When chicks began hatching, about 10 per classroom, students watched eagerly as their temporary pets arrived.

 

“Today we’re illustrating the life cycle,” said kindergarten teacher Lori Burns.

 

After a few days huddling together under heat lamps, the chicks had matured enough to run around and be held by students.

 

Some classes named the chicks. In Marcie Ludwig’s room the titles included classics such as “Fluffy Bro,” “Hoppers,” “Chirpy” and “Black Storm.”

 

Students also kept observation journals, incorporated music by learning a song about chicks, and more. After the hatching period the chicks were returned to the farm from which they came.

 

For photos of the activities, see the Delano Public Schools Facebook page.