Originally brought in to socialize with humans before moving to the farm's visitor center, these chicks have become much more than a science project; they are now a central part of the students' daily growth and education.
"A lot of our students don't think about where their food comes from," Mrs. Zappia shared. "I wanted them to see the experience, how these birds start as tiny chicks you can hold in one hand, and what it takes to care for them.”
Rapid Growth and Real-World Lessons
As of April 3, the chicks are nearly four weeks old, and their transformation has been remarkable. The students have been tracking their physical changes closely, observing the growth of new feathers and noting how much weight the birds gain even over a single weekend. This rapid development has required the fifth graders to quickly master new skills. They have gained the confidence and technique necessary to handle the birds safely, learning exactly how to pick them up and hold them so they don’t flap their wings.
"The chicks are almost four weeks old, and the students are amazed at how fast they are growing!"
The students' daily diligence has been equally impressive. They follow a consistent rotation to provide fresh food and water, taking care to ensure the feeders stay clear of pine shavings. Their sense of responsibility extends to the maintenance of the environment as well, as they regularly help clean the brooder and proactively sweep up stray shavings without being prompted.
"It’s amazing seeing them become confident working with and taking care of the birds as they grow," Mrs. Zappia observed.
Living the Moral Focus™
This hands-on experience serves as a practical application of the Moral Focus™ curriculum, a cornerstone of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) model. By caring for creatures that rely entirely on them, students are practicing virtues like Respect, Compassion, and Self-Control in real-time.
Mrs. Zappia has noted the profound emotional connection forming in the classroom, remarking on the impact of seeing the students' demeanor change.
"Our kids don't always have a lot of opportunities to just be gentle and calm," she said. "To see a tough fifth-grade boy sitting there, whispering in a high voice as a chick falls asleep in his hand, that’s a side of them that doesn't always get to come out".
This bond has also become a powerful academic motivator. "Chick time" is now the ultimate incentive in the classroom; students are eager to hit their goals in Lexia and Dreambox or complete their state test preparations for the chance to spend time with their feathered friends.
The Journey Home
The chicks are expected to stay at Alliance Academy for six to eight weeks before they return to Tikkun Farm to live as egg-laying residents. However, the connection between the students and the birds will continue past the classroom walls.
A field trip to Tikkun Farm is now officially scheduled for May 13. The students are incredibly excited for the opportunity to tour the farm.
"The students are very excited to see where the chicks will live when they leave our classroom," Mrs. Zappia said.
During the visit, they will also get to feed the other animals on-site and participate in various service projects around the farm. By teaching life cycles, responsibility, and the power of gentleness, these nine small birds are helping Alliance Academy fulfill its mission of educating the whole child.
What a fun and fluffy initiative at Alliance!
About Alliance Academy of Cincinnati
Alliance Academy of Cincinnati is a tuition-free, public charter school in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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