JACKSON – Kindergarten students at Switlik Elementary School recently got a lesson in the life cycle of a chicken first hand while observing a classroom incubation chamber containing eggs as they patiently waited for them all to hatch.
Kindergarten teacher Christine Temple said the project, which would not be possible without the gracious funding of the Switlik Parent Teacher Network, (PTN) is one of the students’ favorite science activities for the year.
The aim of the PTN is to “create a place where teachers and staff can do their best work and so can our children. Our goal as a PTN is to provide our school with funds, programs, resources and services that will enrich the education of our children,” the Switlik PTN website stated.
Temple said her students were “so excited when the farmer from Quiver Farm comes in with all the supplies. She added that she enjoyed watching her students during the 10-day lesson. “They get to be little farmers for the two-week period and help with the turning of the eggs each day.”
“The kids are so excited to see the chicks that hatched and are sometimes lucky enough to watch a chick hatch,” Temple added. She said they incorporate this activity into many other educational areas including literacy, math, writing and art activities during the week to create a cross-curricular learning experience.
“I am excited to watch them grow,” Noah Zink remarked.
Noah’s classmate Max Kowalczyk said, “they are very cute and I want to touch them”
“I love our chicks because they are cute and they peep,” student Gavin Mongeau said.
Gavin’s classmate Francisco Velasco said, “they are so fluffy!”
“They are lovable and so cute,” kindergartener Nelson Rosamilia said.
The students all responded the same when asked what they were most excited about regarding their lesson involving the newly hatched chicks.
The class responded in unison saying, “to pet them and to hold them.”
Some kindergarteners also responded to that question saying “they want to see them eat and drink.”
The Switlik PTN is seeking additional members. “We would like to take this opportunity to welcome each of you and your families to Switlik Elementary. We are excited to talk with you about our organization, enroll you as a member, and most importantly, encourage you to get involved in our school,” the group’s website states.
It also states that, “volunteering doesn’t have to mean a huge time commitment. We understand it is more and more difficult to find time to give, but please consider donating a few hours of your time – every bit helps.”
The PTN has tasks that can be performed during the evenings and during the day “or that don’t even involve coming to the school at all,” their website states.
For further information about the PTN’s activities and how to join, e-mail PTN.Switlik@gmail.com.
