With today's regulations and health scares, many educators have opted out of having animals in the classroom; an unfortunate affair for both the teachers and students. Every teacher I have spoken with agrees that one of their main goals is to create impressionable learning opportunities that leave a sense of wonder in their students to learn more. Of course, why wouldn't that be a main goal. It is my goal as an educator as well. In return, most students I have had the pleasure of talking to want the same thing (although they word it in a much more entertaining way. lol)
Most of my childhood memories of nature came from my elementary classroom days. I remember learning about an insect's organ protecting exoskeleton by touching a shiny hissing cockroach; or being able to differentiate a mammal from a reptile with the sweet and gentle class guinea pig. So many moments that ignited the passion for wildlife that I have today. While having a "class pet" can be very rewarding and beneficial, it can also be high maintenance and a bit of a distraction at times. So what animal makes the best pet? Well, that will ultimately be up to you, but I have written down a few key points that may help you find the perfect classroom critter for you.
For some this may be completely out of the question due to restrictions your school has. That is completely understandable. Go ahead and read this post anyway. It may contain something that will allow you to get around that restriction and bring a little wildlife into the classroom.
1. Budget
This is usually a top priority as you will be the main financial supporter of this cute critter. I would recommend sitting down and writing a list of your top five picks and do research on the cost of care for each one. How much bedding will they need? How often does it need to be changed? Does it need special lighting? How much is food? Does it need vitamins? Do they need pellets or live food? How much is a cage? Vet expenses? Etc. As a animal caretaker, I would have to say (from most expensive to least expensive) the list goes: birds (I don't recommend birds as class pets, just my opinion), mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects/arachnids, compost worms. This is definitely debatable depending on the species at hand.
2. Weekend Care
Will you be taking this animal home each weekend? Will the "superstar" of the week? Will their parents be okay with the animal? These are all important questions to answer beforehand because, ultimately, you will have to if no one else does. On most animals, the lower the cost of care= lower weekend maintenance. If you have a snake that only needs to be fed once a week, then the only thing you have to really worry about is proper temperature. With cockroaches or worms. . ..well they would probably prefer some quiet time.
3. Level of Distraction
How much of a distraction are you willing to tolerate? Can you handle the squeals and tumbles of a playful guinea pig while trying to teach multiplication? Can your students? I have heard of many stories about class pets not lasting due to their natural behavior. It is all about researching and finding an animal that fits your criteria. Don't assume that you will "get used" to something because it is cute.
4. Time
How will you make time to make sure this pet is properly cared for? Do you have "Fun Friday" time where the kids can help handle your classroom critter and clean up after it? If not, then I would stick with the last three on the budget list. You can still have a very educational and elaborate setup without needing to spend a ton of time in upkeep.
I hope this blog does not dissuade you from getting a classroom pet. In fact, it is meant to be used in the complete opposite way. No one enjoys what they feel is a nuisance. So my hopes are that this will be used as a guideline to pick an animal that best suits your abilities. Just because you don't want a rabbit or a bearded dragon, doesn't mean you shouldn't entertain the idea of bringing nature into the classroom. Some of my favorite memories were watching the different enclosures filled with "rollie pollies" and digging for compost worms when it was time use the soil in our class garden. So many of our youth do not have an appreciation for the outside world; in all honesty, most are terrified of it. Something as simple as having a positive interaction, in a positive setting, can make a world of difference in their approach to nature for years to come.
Some of the greatest conservationists are sitting right in front of you. . . waiting to be inspired.
Thank you for reading The Nature Class Blog.
Happy inspiring,
Ms. Mallory
Visit my Facebook page for more fun nature facts about the wonder world around us. Great for the whole family.
www.facebook.com/TheRealMs.Mallory
Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel to see some of my crazy adventures with the animals.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvY3qC2rWWS89tnafP86MtA
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