Children at CDLS discover nature
Photo by Joseph A. Moore II
Pictured are the most recent addition to OCCC’s wildlife. Child Developement Center and Lab School Lab Supervisor Lee Ann Nurdin said she was able to make it into a learning experience for the children. She said for five weeks the children observed the eggs, fed the mother, and on the morning of May 1, they hatched with success.
By Person General, Staff Writer
Nature has captured the children and teachers attention this spring at OCCC’s Child Development Center and Lab School. The preschool class gained knowledge though hands on experience with their surroundings. Preschool teacher Constance Pidgeon embraced spring with her preschool class “even though the weather has been un-spring like”.
The children went outside last week to discover eight ducklings had hatched from their nest at the CDCLS. The mother duck built her nest in front of the CDCLS building in the flowerbed among yellow and purple flowers.
The mother duck and her nest of about 12 eggs were notices by the children around 3 or 4 weeks ago. “The children have been very interested in her and watch her everyday. They even put out water and crackers for her so she wouldn't have to leave her nest,” Child Development Lab Supervisor Lee Anne Townsend said. After leaving the nest, the ducklings followed their mother to the pond on campus grounds
The Preschool class planted a garden at the CDCLS in March with a local Newcastle farmer, which included carrots, cucumbers, and corn. The children will prepare a Garden Salad using the vegetable that they have grown.
“Gardening with children in the spring time provides them with opportunities to learn to work together, reinforce healthy nutrition habits and a great appreciation of the environment,” Pidgeon said.
The children also hatched butterflies that they raised from the caterpillar larvae. The children developed an understanding of the life cycle of butterflies. Each child records their new knowledge in their Butterfly Journal. The developed butterflies were released into the environment last week.
The overall value of the nature program “is a wonderful opportunity for the children,” Pidgeon said.
