You are invited to download the chicken pack – learning printables for preschool and kindergarten children. Use this resource with clear true-to-life images and photographs to create hands-on science activities for your students. Children will learn the stages of the chicken life cycle, and parts of a rooster, learn about daily stages of chicken embryo development, practice sequencing skills, and work to improve their concentration and fine motor skills. Are you planning to bring a chicken hatchery to your classroom to demonstrate how little chicks hatch from eggs? Then this resource will come in very handy!
about chicken
Chickens are one of the most common birds found on farms all around the world. Chickens are often raised for their meat and eggs, but they are also popular as pets.
There are many different breeds of chickens, each with their own unique characteristics. Some have feathers that are fluffy and soft, while others have more sleek and shiny feathers. Chickens also come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and even speckled.
One interesting thing about chickens is that they have a special part of their stomach called a gizzard, which helps them break down their food. They also have a special way of communicating with each other through a series of clucks, squawks, and other sounds.
Overall, chickens are fascinating birds that provide us with food, companionship, and even entertainment.
hen life cycle
From the moment a chicken is born, it goes through a series of stages in its life cycle. The first stage is the chick stage, where it spends its time in a warm and cozy brooder. As it grows older, it moves on to the pullet stage, where it starts to develop its adult feathers and learn how to roost. Once it reaches maturity, it enters the laying stage, where it can produce eggs for several years. Finally, when the chicken reaches old age, it enters the retirement stage, where it can live out the rest of its life in peace. It’s amazing to see how much a chicken can change and grow throughout its life!
chicken hands-on activities for children
By learning about different types of animals and their care, children can develop empathy, compassion, and respect for all living things. They can also learn important life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Chickens can be a great educational tool for children, and they may even inspire a love for nature and the environment.
- Chicken lifecycle activity: This activity involves teaching children about the lifecycle of a chicken. Using pictures or real examples, you can show children the different stages of a chicken’s life – egg, chick, adolescent, and adult.
- Chicken anatomy activity: Children can learn about the different parts of a chicken by sorting pictures or labels onto a large drawing of a chicken.
- Egg counting activity: Children can count and sort eggs by size or color, and learn about the nutritional value and versatility of eggs.
- Chicken feather sorting activity: Children can learn about the different types of feathers on a chicken and sort them based on size or color.
- Chicken observation activity: By providing children with a chicken coop or visiting a local farm, children can observe and learn about the behavior and needs of chickens – such as what they eat, how they move and socialize.
- Chicken cooking activity: Children can learn about the different ways to prepare chicken by participating in a cooking activity, such as making chicken nuggets or chicken soup.
- Chicken art activity: Children can use materials such as colored pencils, paint, or clay to create art inspired by chickens or their eggs.
- Chicken math activity: Children can practice counting, addition, and subtraction by using chicken-themed objects to solve math problems.
- Chicken music activity: Children can learn songs and rhymes about chickens, such as “Old McDonald had a farm” or “The little red hen”.
- Chicken writing activity: Children can practice their writing skills by creating stories or journals about chickens or their experiences with them.
how to set up chick Hatchery in the classroom
The best time of year to incubate chicks in the classroom depends on several factors, including the availability of eggs, the school schedule, and the local climate. In general, spring is a popular time for incubating chicks because it corresponds with the natural breeding season of many bird species. This also allows for the chicks to be released into the outdoors as they grow older and the weather becomes warmer. However, it is important to consult with local experts and carefully plan the incubation process to ensure the health and safety of both the chicks and students.
Setting up a chick hatchery in a classroom can be a fun and educational experience for kids. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Research and Consultation- The first step in setting up a chick incubator and hatchery in a classroom for children is to gain knowledge on how to carry out the process. Talk to experts, conduct online research, and join groups or forums dedicated to chick incubation. You should also research local and state laws to determine if you need permits or licenses before initiating the process.
- Purchase Supplies- After gaining knowledge about the chick incubation process, the next step is to purchase all the necessary materials. Some essential materials include the incubator, thermometer, hygrometer, brooder, chick feed, bedding, and water containers.
- Set up the Incubator– The third step is to set up the incubator to prepare for the eggs. The instructions for setting up the incubator vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Be sure to follow the instructions provided.
- Acquire Fertile Eggs- After setting up the incubator, the next step is to acquire fertile eggs. Look for a reliable source of high-quality fertile eggs. Farmers and pet stores may be a starting point. Ensure that the eggs are healthy and disease-free.
- Monitor Temperature and Humidity- The temperature and humidity must be maintained and monitored daily throughout the incubation period. The optimal temperature range during incubation is between 99-102 degrees Fahrenheit, while the humidity should be within 40-50%.
- Monitor the Eggs- After placing the fertile eggs in the incubator, monitor them closely. Turning the eggs every few hours helps the chick inside to develop properly.
- Brood the Hatchlings- Once the chicks hatch successfully, they require brooding. A brooder provides warmth and a safe space for the hatchlings. Ensure that the brooder is big enough and well-ventilated.
Final Thoughts. Raising chicks in the classroom can be an exciting and educational experience for children. However, setting up a chick incubator and hatchery requires knowledge, preparation, and monitoring. Ensure that you follow the instructions carefully, research thoroughly and seek advice from experts to make the process a success.
This is an excellent resource if you want to teach your students about the bird life cycle. This resource will be helpful when exploring the farm unit, learning about birds, or setting up your spring, summer, or autumn activities. This resource contains a chicken life cycle diagram, worksheets, 3-part cards, parts of a rooster and bird egg, and chicken embryo daily development charts.
Here is what’s included
- Chicken life cycle poster
- Chicken life cycle 3 part cards
- Chicken life cycle coloring, cutting, and pasting worksheet (color and blackline)
- Chicken life cycle tracing strips
- Chicken life cycle information cards
- Parts of a Bird Egg diagram
- Parts of a Bird Egg student activity page
- Parts of a Bird Egg labels
- Parts of a Bird Egg student booklet (independent writing)
- Parts of a Rooster diagram
- Parts of a Rooster student activity page
- Parts of a Rooster labels
- Parts of a Rooster tracing & independent writing worksheet
- Parts of a Rooster student booklet (independent writing)
- Parts of a Rooster 3 part cards
- Parts of a Rooster information cards
- Daily Cycle of a Chicken Embryo picture chart
- Daily Cycle of a Chicken Embryo information chart
- Daily Cycle of a Chicken Embryo line art chart
- Species of Chickens 3 part cards
- Species of Chickens information cards
- Chicken characteristics color poster
- Chicken characteristics black line poster
- Chicken characteristics mat
- Chicken characteristics color cards
- Chicken characteristics tracing & coloring student booklet
- Chicken characteristics student booklet
- Chicken information poster
- My Book of Chickens
- Chicken Food vs Preditors sorting cards
- Chicken anatomy diagram adjective activity
How to use this printable – recommendations
3-Part Cards and Information Cards – Presenting Montessori 3-part cards and information cards to children can be done in a structured and engaging manner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively present them:
- Understand the material: Familiarize yourself with the content of the 3-part cards and the information cards. This will help you confidently explain and discuss the information with the children.
- Prepare the environment: Set up a dedicated space or tray where the children can work with the cards. Make sure the area is clean, organized, and free from distractions.
- Introduce the concept: Start the presentation by briefly explaining the topic or theme of the cards. Provide a brief overview of what the children will be exploring.
- Present the control cards: Begin by showing the children the control cards or full set of cards. These cards usually have a picture or word with a label. Point out specific details and discuss the correct terminology associated with each image.
- Sorting activity: Invite the children to sort the picture cards into two or three groups, depending on the material. For example, if presenting animal classification, they can sort the pictures into categories like mammals, birds, or reptiles.
- Discuss and match: After the sorting activity, demonstrate how to match the labeled cards to the corresponding picture cards. Explain that this helps reinforce their vocabulary and comprehension.
- Information cards: If you have additional information cards, present them to the children after they have matched the picture cards. These cards typically contain detailed information about the topic, such as fun facts or key characteristics.
- Independent exploration: Once the children understand the activity, encourage them to explore the cards independently. They can choose a card, examine the image, read the label, and then find the corresponding information card to learn more details.
- Encourage discussion and questions: As the children explore the cards, engage them in conversation. Encourage them to share observations, ask questions, and express their thoughts. This promotes critical thinking and deeper engagement with the material.
- Rotate and revisit: To maintain interest and reinforce learning, periodically rotate the cards or introduce new sets. Children can revisit previous cards to review and build upon their knowledge.
Remember to always model enthusiasm, patience, and respect while presenting Montessori materials. Allow children to work at their own pace, and provide guidance and support as needed.
Life Cycle Sequencing Cards
- Introduce the topic: Explain what life cycles are and why they are important to learn.
- Show the cards: Display the life cycle sequencing cards in a way that the children can see them clearly.
- Explain each stage: Starting with the first stage, explain what is happening in the picture, what the name of the stage is, and what happens in the stage.
- Discuss the changes: As you progress through the stages, point out the changes that occur and how they are different from the previous stages.
- Ask questions: As you go through each stage, ask the children questions to see if they understand what is happening.
- Review: Once you have gone through all of the stages, review the life cycle as a whole, summarizing the stages and explaining the importance of each one.
- Reinforce learning: Encourage the children to use the life cycle sequencing cards to explain the life cycle to others or to create their own life cycle stories.
Daily Cycle of a Chicken Embryo – Print the color picture and description posters on cardstock. Bind with metal rings and place on display for children to observe the progress. Alternatively, cut description cards and glue them on top of the picture cards making sure the picture can be seen. Invite the children to follow the progress by flipping cards once each day.
Thank you and happy learning!
FIND CHICKEN LIFE CYCLE FIGURINES HERE
Farm - Children's Books and Learning Resources
Farm Babies Safari Toob 3 Part Cards Editable
Three-part cards with 11 examples of farm babies for the object-to-image matching activity.
The printable provides a set of cards with photographs of 11 different types of farm baby animals included in the Safari Farm Babies Toob – pony foal, donkey foal, horse foal, kit, kid, kitten, puppy, chicks, piglet, lamb, and calf.
Farm Cards for Object to Picture Matching Activity with Safari Toob
Three-part cards with twenty images for the object to photo-matching activity. The printable features clear true-to-life images.
Farm Pack for Preschool - Montessori Nature Printables
Printable is made with hand-drawn watercolor clipart and has beautiful soft pastel tones.
These printables include 26 pages plus 2 pages with instructions.
Activities included: Silhouette activity, Preposition Cards, Vocabulary Cards, 3-Part Cards, Find the other half, Number Activity, Fine Motor pin poking activity, Colour Wheel activity.
Safari TOOB and Toy-Matching 3-Part Cards | Montessori | Editable
Early Learning Bundle with 40 printable sets that contain 3-Part Cards for an object-to-picture matching activity. Sets are designed to match the classroom favorites – Safari TOOB figures. Use in any language. All sets include an editable PowerPoint file. Types labels in your own language and print.
Community Helpers 3-Part Cards - Montessori Nature Printables
The printable features real photos
The printable is suitable for children ages 3-6.
Classification nomenclature cards are great for expanding vocabulary and can be used during Social Studies and for teaching ESL students of all ages.
Vocabulary Cards With Animals - Montessori Nature Printables
Farm Animals, Big Animals, Small Animals, Baby Animals, Sea Animals, and Birds. Each set has two versions – with labels and without labels. You can use Vocabulary Animals Set Of Cards for match-up game, memory game and for learning new vocabulary with children and ESL students.
Flowers - Object to Picture Matching Activity with Safari Toob
Three-part cards with eight images for the object to photo-matching activity. The printable features clear real-life photographs.
It includes a set of flower vocabulary cards – rose, tulip, hibiscus, bird of paradise, daffodil, sunflower, lotus, orchid.
Honey Bee Life Cycle - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Two sets of Honey Bee Life Cycle activities with student worksheets and Honey Bee 3-part Cards
Parts of the Plant Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Parts of the Plant 3-part card activity and handwriting sheets.
The printable features a clipart.
Parts of the Seed Printable - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Parts of the Seed – 3-part card activity and handwriting sheets.
Types of Flowers - Nature Curriculum in Cards
Three-part and description cards with eighteen different flowering plants. The printable features isolated images of commonly known flowers such as lotus, sunflower, pansy, orchid, tulip, rose, blue plumbago, calla lily, carnation, dahlia, daisy, bird of paradise, iris, lily, magnolia, narcissus, petunia, poppy.
Parts of a Honey Bee 3 Part Cards and B&W Student Booklet - Montessori Nature Printables
Montessori cards with 12 parts of a honey bee and b&w student booklet for tracing and independent writing.
Types of Spring Flowers 3 Part Cards and B&W Booklet Printable
Twelve beautiful flowers of Spring. Three-part cards feature colorful clipart images.
Please note, this product is also a part of Seasonal Hands-On Activities for Montessori 3-6 Classroom Bundle and Spring Pack Hands-on Montessori Inspired Activities. If you have purchased the money-saving bundle or the pack, you don’t need to purchase this printable as well!
Farming (New & Updated Edition)
Explore the natural world with Gail Gibbons in this introduction to farming and the work done on a farm throughout the seasons.
Farms are busy places throughout the year. Animals are born, fields are plowed and planted, and crops are harvested. The winters are quiet, but there are always chores to be done, and soon spring will come again.
This Farm Is a Family (Barn Sanctuary)
In this adorable illustrated picture book for kids written by Dan McKernan (Saved by the Barn), the rescue farm animals at Barn Sanctuary decide to help a cow who is dealing with fear and anxiety in her new home. Children will learn the importance of friendship and compassion, as well as why it’s important to support others during hard times.
World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm Animal 30-Button Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids
Put on your overalls and have a stroll Around The Farm in this amazing sound book! Your little one can press 30 different sound buttons while they read to bring the amazing art stylings of Eric Carle to life!
Farm Animals! - From Cows to Chickens (Farming for Kids) - Children's Books on Farm Life
Let’s visit the farm virtually and meet the animals there! This edutaining book is a fun mix of pictures and texts. Your child would love to go through them and learn something new primarily because of the layout and the careful selection of texts. So what are you waiting for? Secure a copy of this fun picture book today!
National Geographic Kids On the Farm Sticker Activity Book: Over 1,000 Stickers! (NG Sticker Activity Books)
An exciting interactive title chock-full of adorable piglets, fuzzy baby chicks, and other barnyard fun, brings National Geographic Kids signature content to a sticker and activity book format. Packed with mazes, spelling and pattern games, drawing activities, and more, kids are sure to love these pages loaded with fun.
Big Red Barn
Margaret Wise Brown's simple, rhythmic text about the cycle of a day on a farm, where a family of animals peacefully plays and sleeps, has charmed generations of children.
As in her classic Goodnight Moon, Brown engages children and helps settle them down for sleep as they follow along with the animals from morning to night in the barnyard.
Teacher Created Materials - TIME For Kids Informational Text: A Visit to a Farm - Grade 2 - Guided Reading Level I
Take a trip to the place where cows and horses play and fields of crops grow in this nonfiction book that tours a farm! Early elementary readers will discover the types of farm animals, crops, and different machinery used to run a farm. With informational text, a picture glossary, a map of the farm, and bright, colorful photos, readers will want to learn all about life on a farm!
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter
A captivating exploration of how a family gets a farm ready for the snow of winter, Sleep Tight Farm lyrically connects each growing season to the preparations at the very end of the farm year. This beautiful and informative book paints a fascinating picture of what winter means to the farm year and to the family that shares its seasons, from spring's new growth, summer's heat, and fall's bounty to winter's well-earned rest. All year long the farm has worked to shelter us, feed us, keep us warm, and now it's time to sleep.
Farm Friends Lift-a-Flap Board Book (John Deere Kids)
Nothing runs or reads like a John Deere Lift-a-Flap farm book! Introduce your little one to all the friendly animals on the farm with this adorable and sturdy board book filled with lively rural scenes and tractors designed to educate and entertain your little John Deere enthusiast.
Winter on the Farm (Little House Picture Book)
With this illustrated adaptation from the beloved Little House series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved classics.
This My First Little House book introduces Almanzo Wilder, the young boy from Farmer Boy who would one day marry Laura Ingalls. Winter has come to the Wilder family farm in upstate New York. Almanzo goes through his afternoon barn chores, and then sits down to eat a hearty farm supper with his family.
Tractors and Farm Machinery: A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Book for Kids (STEM Books for Kids)
For kids who love big, noisy machines — trucks, vehicles, things with big, chunky tires that go — and can’t learn enough about them!
Full of photographs and close-ups of tractors and farm machinery, this book uses fun, engaging rhymes to explain what these machines do and introduce them to the complex and fascinating work of farming, from plows, to combines, hay balers, drones, and more. Kids will learn about these incredible machines and how they help farmers grow food.
A Kid's Guide to Keeping Chickens: Best Breeds, Creating a Home, Care and Handling, Outdoor Fun, Crafts and Treats
Covering everything from feeding, housing, and collecting eggs to quirky behaviors and humane treatment, Caughey’s engaging advice helps children understand the best ways to care for their chickens. Spark enthusiasm with creative activities like chicken forts and a veggie piñata for the flock, and feed more than the imagination with egg-centric dishes like Mexican egg pizza.
Plant & Grow (John Deere Lift-A-Flap Board Book)
Nothing runs or reads like a John Deere Lift-a-Flap farming book! Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of farming with this adorable and sturdy board book filled with fun farm facts, tractors, harvesting machinery, and lively rural scenes designed to educate and entertain your little John Deere enthusiast. Simple sentences reinforce future language structure while grasping and lifting the durable flaps helps develop fine motor skills.
Saving Emma the Pig (The Biggest Little Farm)
A companion picture book to the award-winning film, "The Biggest Little Farm"!
Welcome to Apricot Lane Farm, a unique world full of true stories about heartwarming animals’ relationships and the special people who care for them.
A Year at a Farm (Time Goes By)
Horses! Ducks! Cows! Would you like to see what happens during a year at a farm? Then come spend the next twelve months at this farm. Check out eight action-packed scenes for a bird’s-eye view of spring planting, a summer festival, and an autumn harvest.
Encyclopedia Britannica - Kids Farm Animals Listen and Learn Sound Book - PI Kids
Look, listen, and learn about animals you might find on a farm! Your little one can press ten sound buttons to hear the animal's names and the sounds they make. Horses, cows, cats, dogs, we ve even included frogs; hear them all come to life.