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We have been so lucky over the last few weeks to have pépi heihei (chicks) at kindergarten.  Ten eggs arrived in an egg box and were transferred to the incubator to keep them warm.  The ten eggs stayed safe and warm until the chicks hatched from their eggs over the next few days. 

Our tamariki seemed so intrigued watching the eggs and waiting for them to hatch.  This year almost all of the eggs hatched at night time and we got a big surprise to see the chicks the following morning.

The chicks were transferred into the brooder which had a light bulb going continuously to keep them warm, their new home also had food and water for the newly hatched chicks.  Each day the chicks grew bigger and stronger and soon we were able to hold them while their home (the brooder) was cleaned out and food and drinking water was replenished. 

After 2 weeks we had to say goodbye to the chicks as they were getting too big for the brooder and needed to go back to the farm.  We have been talking about the chicks a lot and learning so much about them.  We also enjoyed learning a new song at mat time called Ko Papa Heihei. 

Watching the pépi heihei (chicks) hatch and grow provided an excellent opportunity for tamariki to connect with nature and learn about the lifecycle of birds. Children showed such curiosity as they eagerly observed the process, demonstrating an interest in the natural world. This aligns with the Exploration strand of Te Whāriki, where children learn through active exploration of the environment.

By holding the chicks and caring for them enabled children to develop a sense of responsibility and empathy for living creatures. This experience also fostered  dispositions for curiosity and care, supporting emotional and social development. Additionally, participating in singing “Ko Papa Heihei” during mat time was a wonderful way to integrate Teo Māori into learning, enhancing children’s cultural awareness and language skills.