Curiosity, Speculating and Expanding Vocabulary

It is week one of some special visitors at Rachel Keeling. We know the importance of inspiring children to be curious about their world and encouraging them to express their curiosity.
On Monday we had a special delivery of 10 eggs in an incubator. Children were given time to observe the eggs, talk about  them, sharing what they thought and ask questions.
Some children thought they would be chicks. One child thought it would be a crocodile and another a snake. 
The children waited patiently, observing and marked the days on the calendar. They noticed the eggs were moving and eventually one of the eggs started to 'pip' or 'hatch'. Out hatched a small yellow chick: children noticed they were wet and wobbly. As the chicks dried and more hatched they were moved across to the brooding box where they have more space and a warm light, food and water. Children began to understand what chicks needs to live and thrive. They were moved in pairs so they would not be lonely. 
Excitement grew as more hatched. By Friday, seven chicks hatched and were growing and flapping their wings. Children were quiet and respectful around the chicks: showing great care and fascination. The chicks are now, eating, drinking and sleeping and it is a privilege to be able to do so. 

Some vocabulary the children have been introduced to and supported using this week within context:
incubator
hatch
pip
crack
shell
egg
yoke
albumen
chick
flap
female
male

After the weekend the children really noticed the changes in the chicks as they grew very quickly. They were confident and we were able to determine the gender of the chicks.
The children helped care for the chicks and let them have some exercise before they returned to the farm.