Pets in the Classroom: Why They Matter
Classroom pets are not only fun companions, but they can also be valuable learning tools, fostering responsibility, empathy and scientific curiosity.
For some students, the presence of animals can be calming and help them deal with anxiety and other challenges such as: Learning and behavioral disordersGiven these benefits, it’s no wonder that animals are being incorporated into school curricula across the country.
Pets reduce anxiety
If you’re a parent, you know that back-to-school anxiety is real. Stress doesn’t just come from the big first day or change in routine: Kids can feel stressed in the classroom and on the playground.
School can sometimes be a tough place, and interacting with animals provides a unique opportunity to foster social connections and play without the fear of being mistaken, judged, or even bullied.
For example, dogs are A non-judgmental and reliable source of information Unconditional acceptance from parents. Parental forgiveness, honesty, and indifference to mistakes help children feel safe and calm.
Beyond the emotional comfort, physical interaction with animals has tangible benefits. Research shows: Interacting with animals It can lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Pets foster positive attitudes toward school
Having a pet can make school life more fun. Discovered by a third-grade teacher in GermanyShe brought along her 7-year-old Norwegian Lundehund dog one day a week throughout the school year.
Her puppy simply existed in the classroom, often resting in the middle of the students’ U-shaped desks. A control group, a separate third-grade class, had no such furry visitors.
Teachers have found that students in classes with dogs report having more positive views of school and learning.
Tasks like cleaning your pet’s habitat, feeding them and walking them all help develop a sense of responsibility.
“School dogs” are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, with some taking on active roles in the classroom, helping students choose math questions using soft dice, assisting students with difficult questions and tests, and even performing tricks as a reward.
Students look forward to seeing their pets at school, and classroom pets act as motivation, rewards for good work, make mundane (and unpleasant) tasks more enjoyable, and improve the overall classroom environment.
Pets Facilitate Learning
It’s no secret that students learn in different ways, and for many students, hands-on experiences like caring for an animal or reading to them can be powerful tools.
Imagine learning about thermoregulation in your classroom’s pet turtle and then working with other students to build the turtle. Ideal Habitat.
Or maybe you’re studying physics and your assignment today is to design a device to speed up the classroom bearded dragons.
These aren’t just fun activities, Actual lesson plan Used by teachers for hands-on science, math and arts education.
Scientific evidence etc. Data collected from 41 classrooms in 19 schools Having animals in the classroom, such as guinea pigs, fish, lizards, hamsters, toads, gerbils, turtles and tortoises, may improve reading comprehension and academic achievement, according to a US study.
Children gain a sense of accomplishment and improve their self-esteem when they know that their efforts have a positive impact on the animals’ welfare.
Meanwhile, national reading programs: Read with Me™ Pet Partner™ Program,
These programs are always in need of volunteer therapy animal handler teams, so if you have a pet that you think would be a good fit, we encourage you to get involved. Certification under consideration.
Pets help develop social skills and a sense of community
Some kids are naturally outgoing, while others have shy personalities that can make it hard for them to form friendships. Classroom pets offer a unique way to bridge this gap.
Just as adults bond over shared interests and responsibilities, classroom pets can serve as common ground for students.
All tasks such as cleaning the pet’s habitat, feeding, and walking are done by ResponsibilityWhen children know that their efforts are having a positive impact on the well-being of animals, they feel a sense of accomplishment and their self-esteem is boosted, and increased self-confidence often leads to more positive interactions with their classmates.
Keeping pets in the classroom
Do you know a teacher who would be interested in having a pet in the classroom? Check out Pets in the Classroom®.Tell your teacher” Resources.
Simply provide your teacher’s contact details and Pets in the Classroom will ensure that your teacher has all the details they need to apply. PETS IN THE CLASSROOMS® GRANT PROGRAM.
