A Virtual Farm Visit for Year 1

Year 1 students’ learning about farm animals has been enhanced by videos made for us by Farmer Chris, from Dermotstown Farm, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, Ireland. We have also followed the progress this week of his chicks hatching in the incubator and moving to the brooder. The highlight was having Farmer Chris himself visit our Zoom meetings and answering our questions. 

Here are some questions he answered:

Nathan: Why do lambs drink so quickly?

Answer:  They are so happy to be drinking their very favourite tasty thing that they drink it quickly.

Sophie: How do the eggs not get broken when the hens sit on them?

Answer: The feathers act like a cushion and protect the egg.

Lidi: What is your favourite animal? 

Answer: My favourite animals on the farm are the cows. Our cows have won rosettes. Did you know that cows all have a name and a passport? Every year there is a letter the names of the cows should begin with. One year it was J and we had a cow at Christmas time called Jingle Bell. Her mother was called Bell.

Jingbo: Do you have a tractor?

Answer: Yes a red one. 

Zachary: How fast does the tractor go?

Answer: Not very fast about 40 km per hour, but it's a strong machine and a very important part of the farm.

Benedect: How do you take care of your animals?

Answer: Every morning I go out and check all the animals and if they get sick call the vet straight away. 

The Year 1 children drew pictures to Thank Farmer Chris and he has asked the children ideas of names for the chicks. Some suggestions are: Fluffy, Grasshopper, Chicky-cheek,  Lily, Beebee and Tinny.

Farmer Chris is a very busy man. In addition to his farm, he is the principal of Balscadden Primary School, a husband and daddy to 3 young children. 

A big Thank You to Nathan's mummy, Michelle Gargan for arranging this exciting learning opportunity for the Year 1 children. 

Dawn Ronaszeki
Year 1 Grasshopper Teacher