We were amazed when the 118 quail eggs arrived in our classroom. We couldn't believe how tiny and fragile they were. We hoped that somehow with our care each and every egg would magically hatch into a new life. With our teacher's help we learned everything we could about quail and how to care for the eggs, and we made predictions as to how many of the birds would hatch. We carefully prepared the incubator, said our blessings over each egg, and then waited patiently, and sometimes not so patiently, for something to happen. The incubator gently rocked the eggs, and we made certain the temperature was just right. And then the moment arrived. Our teacher was the first to witness the eggs breaking open as the tiny birds struggled to break out into the world. She called us on that special weekend day to spread the word among our classmates. That Monday morning we also experienced the miracle of the quail hatching. Feathers and beaks poked out of cracking shells as we all watched in awe. Only 14 of the 118 survived, but we are grateful for those who made it. We were inspired to write the following poems to honor both the quail who made it into this world, as well as those who did not.

The Quail Clan By Nia	Tiny Hero By Scott	Quail And Abigal By Maura
14 Fury Quail By Robby	Quial Inside Not Out By Reed	My Life as a quail By Mary H.
The 5 Missing Quails By Michael	Quail World By Stephen	A Lovable Quail By Julie
A Quail With A Tale By Jane	Do You Dare By Alayna	Quails Of The Classroom By Alex
Being Born By Heather	The Life Of A Quail By Charlie	Bobwhite Quails By Kirstie
Max is my name By Jake	New Quail On The Block By ZachT.	Some Egges Turn Into Quails By ZacharyJ

This project designed and implemented by Julia Blumenreich, for the fourth grade students of Germantown Academy. Page design and technical assistance furnished by Carol Siwinski, Curricular Technology Specialist.