First-graders join in 'Ducky tradition' at St. Emily School

For first-graders at St. Emily School in Mt. Prospect, spring always brings one special thing - duck eggs to hatch in the classroom.

The first-grade teachers have an agreement with a local farmer, who supplies 24 duck eggs annually. The eggs are placed in an incubator in each classroom.

The students complete daily duck-related work sheets as they learn about egg gestation.

On day 14, the eggs are candled. The teacher and students see inside the eggs by shining a light through them. On or about day 28, the eggs begin to hatch. Students are able to watch as the baby ducks emerge from their shells.

When the ducks are dry and fluffy, they are moved to a new home in the classroom. This container provides food, water, and room to roam around. Once the ducks are ready, students learn to carefully feed them, and the ducks are taken outside for a short swim. When the ducks are one week old, they return to the farm that provided the eggs.