At Pocklington Prep School, we believe hands-on experiences are some of the best ways for young children to learn. This term, our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils had the incredible opportunity to witness the lifecycle of chickens in real time!
Watching new life begin: EYFS pupils experience the miracle of chick hatching
Although Easter is still a little way off, our classrooms have been full of excitement as we’ve watched eggs hatch and tiny chicks emerge. This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to the generous funding from Friends of Pocklington Prep School (FOPPS) and the support of The Living Eggs Company, an educational programme that provides schools with everything needed to observe the hatching process safely and ethically.
The project began with the arrival of fertilised eggs, safely housed in a warm incubator. Our pupils have eagerly observed the eggs each day, learning about the conditions required for them to develop and hatch. As the days passed, excitement grew - until finally, the magic moment arrived! One by one, the chicks began to break free from their shells, much to the delight of our young learners.
Over the following days, the children had the chance to see the chicks grow stronger, fluff up, and begin to explore their surroundings. They learned about the importance of caring for animals, gently handling the chicks and ensuring they had food, water, and warmth.
We are incredibly grateful to FOPPS for funding this initiative and to Living Eggs for providing such a well-organised programme. We know this is an experience they will remember for years to come.
As we say goodbye to our little feathered friends in the next few weeks, we carry with us a deeper appreciation for nature and the incredible process of life itself.
" This project has provided so many learning opportunities. The children have developed an understanding of life cycles, responsibility, and empathy all while experiencing the joy of watching new life begin. It has been a truly magical experience, sparking curiosity and excitement across the EYFS classrooms."
Rebecca Turney,
Reception Teacher at Pocklington School
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