A simple explanation of how a hen lays an egg and how that egg hatches into a chick, perfect for 4-year-olds.
First, let's talk about the hen. A hen is a bird that can lay eggs. When a hen lays an egg, it is usually about the size of a small ball.
The egg that the hen lays is special. Inside the egg, there’s a tiny chick, but it's not ready to come out yet. The egg needs to stay warm, just like when you wrap yourself in a blanket to feel cozy.
After some time, usually about 21 days, the chick inside the egg starts to wake up. It pecks on the shell from the inside. Can you imagine it saying, 'I want to come out!'?
Finally, the little chick breaks through the egg and comes out into the world! It’s usually fluffy and very cute. The hen takes care of the chick, keeping it warm and safe.
So, a hen lays an egg, and after some time, the egg hatches into a cute little chick!