Pre-K Raises Ducklings, Grows Small Gardens

McKENZIE (April 17) — McKenzie Elementary Pre-K students are getting hands-on experience while learning about the life cycle thanks to a $500 Ag in the Classroom grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Seven ducklings now reside in Tracie Baker’s Pre-K classroom, where students help care for them daily.

A dozen eggs were incubated for 28 days leading up to the first hatch on April 9, which the kids were able to watch. The rest followed over three days, resulting in seven healthy ducklings. Students were able to learn about the various reasons five of the eggs/ducklings didn’t thrive.

The ducklings will grow at MES for a few more weeks before they are sold. The proceeds will be used to buy something for the classroom.

The grant was also used to obtain supplies for two small gardens grown in planters just outside the two Pre-K classrooms. Bonnie Plants of Bells donated 60 spinach, lettuce and thyme plants.

On Thursday, May 8 at noon, Pre-K will host a garden party for parents to attend. The harvested greens will be used to make chicken wraps, and the remainder will be sold.

Baker told The Banner, “It’s really exciting the kids get to actually see the life cycle in action. It’s important that they know where their food comes from and how they can be a part of growing it.”