Little learners and their fluffy new friends: Chick hatching at St Leonard’s
There has been an ‘egg-citing’ buzz at St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School in Sunderland as Reception-age children welcomed some adorable new arrivals!
The young pupils, part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, were left in complete awe as they watched tiny chicks hatch before their eyes—a magical moment that has sparked curiosity, creativity, and a newfound love for nature.
The eggs, provided by Living Eggs, arrived at the school in early March, kicking off an unforgettable learning experience for the children. Watching the chicks break free from their shells was nothing short of fascinating.
Faith, aged five, shared her excitement: “We watched the baby chicks peck at the eggs with their egg tooth to get out.”
Her classmate Joshua, also five, added: “We have watched them grow so big, and now they have real feathers.”
Nurturing new life in the classroom
The joy of seeing the chicks hatch has extended far beyond just watching—the children have taken their experiences into the classroom, using their observations as inspiration for writing and discussion.
Their excitement has been so overwhelming that the school has decided to keep three of the chicks permanently in the outdoor Reception garden, where they will join some of St Leonard’s other much-loved animal residents: Chocoloca, the guinea pig, and the school’s friendly Labradoodles, Autumn and Beau.
Ellis Adamson, Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) teacher, has seen first-hand how valuable this hands-on experience has been for the children.
“The children were so excited and in complete awe watching them hatch. They had so many questions and we have produced some lovely writing in Reception class all about our chicks,” said Mrs Adamson.
“We can’t wait to take care of them and nurture the chickens using the fundamental skills that we build in Reception. The children are currently enjoying the responsibility that comes with cleaning out the cage, handling the chicks, feeding them and learning all about their likes and dislikes.”
A lifelong love for nature
Beyond just being a fun activity, this experience has provided the children with an incredible opportunity to develop essential skills, from responsibility and teamwork to empathy and curiosity about the world around them. The school sees this as more than just an experiment in animal care—it’s a way to nurture a deep-rooted appreciation for nature and the environment.
Mrs Adamson summed it up perfectly: “The enrichment the children gain from this type of experience and learning about animals is completely invaluable, which also inspires a lifelong love for nature.”
With their new feathered friends settling in, the children of St Leonard’s Catholic Primary School are set to continue their journey of discovery, one fluffy step at a time.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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