Features : Articles :
Classroom Companions
By Cindy Bartlett
A nature-lover's case for bringing animals back into the classroom
No animals allowed? If you're unable to have a resident pet, perhaps welcome in a four-legged guest. Spud Edward often visits Cindy Bartlett's classroom (right), when the two aren't enjoying time outside with their equestrian friend Bandy (above left).
In the beginning, I brought the dwarf bunny and the large tank of bubble-eyed fish into my first-year classroom for selfish reasons. I've always been one of those people who use any excuse to be outdoors, and I'm most in my element when riding my horse in an open field. As a child I made pets of anything that walked. I also had an insect zoo and a wagon full of pet worms with names like Silver and Bossy. Even though I was very excited by my first teaching job, I soon realized that my outdoor experiences were greatly restricted. The fish and the rabbit were my connections to the outdoor world.
A subtle change. Most of my students warmed up to the animals right away. We developed a feeding and care schedule so the students could be involved with the animals on a regular basis. But beyond just developing responsibility skills, a subtle transformation was taking place in my students. I noticed that some of my toughest boys would soften when petting Peanut, the rabbit. Those children who struggled with reading would risk reading passages aloud when given the chance to hold Peanut. But most of all, the kids who loved to be outside stopped staring forlornly out the window and seemed to come alive as they interacted with or included the rabbit or the fish in a writing piece.
Bringing nature indoors. Here are some tips and ideas on having animals in the classroom:
- Get permission from the administration. Some schools have restrictions due to allergies. Presenting research about non-allergenic pets may make your principal more open to the idea. If your school has a firm "no pets" policy, inquire about having animals visit the classroom.
- Find a good match. Select an animal that will be comfortable living in confined quarters and is suited to the highly stimulating classroom environment. Turtles and most reptiles, nocturnal animals and some types of rabbits aren't suitable classroom companions. Consult a veterinarian for recommendations.
- Clean your animal's house daily. No one wants to be around a stinky pet – including the pet!
- Brainstorm how to learn from animals. Use your companion to motivate students to learn about therapy animals, careers with animals and animal welfare in general. Several standards are addressed when students research and write about an animal and its geographic origins and graph the animal's feeding and care schedule.
- Enjoy your companion. Marvel at the transformation an animal's presence might cause in your classroom!
internetconnections Topic: Classroom Companions
- Classroom Animals and Pets: www.teacherwebshelf.com/classroompets/HomeTOC.htm Database of dozens of class pets with information on housing, food, maintenance and teaching ideas and lesson resources. Great site!
- Choosing a Classroom Pet: www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/pets/index.html Webquest for selecting class pets. Resource list includes care guides for fish, snakes, hamsters, frogs, birds and more.
- Taking Care of Your Pet: pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/pets/index.html Pet care guide covering pet responsibilities, choosing a pet, fun facts about pets, and more.
Cindy Bartlett is on the fourth grade team that teaches animal studies at Churubusco Elementary School in Churubusco, IN.
