I know it's been quite some time since my last post, but you know how the beginning of the year goes! It has been a great start to a new school year! I will be sure to post about some of the things we've been doing in class soon. Today, I want to talk to you about the benefits of having a classroom pet.
Classroom pets are a great resource for teachers to make learning fun in all subjects! For example in math you could do a math problem for how much a hamster weights or in science, what do snakes eat? For geography, what part of the world do ferrets come from? or Grammar, what words would you use to describe a goldfish? You could also have your students create special presentations about the animals.
Pets expose students to animals or nature. They can see, feel, touch, and make connections to the wide world of animals. Many students do not have pets, so this is especially great for them.Caring and observing animals instills a sense of responsibility and respect for life. Pets bring increased sensitivity and awareness of feelings and needs of others--both animals and humans. Kids learn that all living things need more than just food and water for survival. Students will see directly how their behavior and actions affect others. Studies show that the presence of animals tends to lesson tension in the classroom. responsibility.discoveryhealth.com
"Studies show that children from families with pets are better equipped to fight off infection than kids from non-pet households, showing significantly higher levels of immune system performance. When school attendance records were compared side by side, researchers discovered that kids with pets averaged more days at school every year than their pet-free counterparts." The study also showed that kids turn to their pets for emotional well-being, "with 40% of children choosing pet companionship when feeling down." According to Dr. Harvey Markovitch, "Being around animals is extremely good for children. They're good for morale, and teach children about relationships and about the needs of another living being--learning to care for a pet helps them to learn how to care for people." Dr. Harvey Markovitch is a pediatrician editor for The Archives of Disease in Childhood.
Pets also build self-esteem! Taking care of a pet builds a sense of pride and accomplishment. According to Shari Young Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., research psychologist at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, says, "The child who cares for a pet knows that what he does matters, and so he'll want to do more of it. The more successfully he feeds, walks, or emotionally bonds with the pet, the more confident he'll feel."
Pets teach responsibility and become friends to kids.
Our classroom has a few pets! We just got two rat baby girls named Gypsy and Jewel. We also have pet fish!
We have 3 Tetra Fish, 2 Glo-Fish, and one Sucker Fish
Jewel (top) and Gypsy (bottom)
If you're interested in getting a class pet but are worried about cost check out this website: http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/
PetSmart also offers grants for pets in the classroom! I used a grant to help purchase our rats!
For more information on the benefits of classroom pets check out these websites:
http://petvalu.com/classroom-pets/
http://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2014/01/do-children-benefit-from-animals-in.html
http://mixminder.com/pros-and-cons-of-having-a-class-pet/
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/talking-about-animals-the-benefits-for-a-classroom-and-for-the-21st-century-society/
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/more-school-life/animals-make-good-teachers
Thanks for tuning in! Check back soon for an update on what we've been learning!
