[Roxy Raney]

Hello! Having animals can helps kids develop and build relationships. Especially when they are young this can impact them greatly.

[Trainer]

Great insight, Roxy! Animals can indeed help children develop relationships and empathy. Introduce animals gradually and ensure their welfare.

[Claudia]

Absolutely. Before getting animal in our pre-k program, all teachers involved do their own research and come to the table to create a plan. Choices of pets are to teach empathy, responsibility, observation skills, and encourage curiosity. We will add books and activities about the species and deep dive into the animal kingdom.

[DIANA]

I think animals are a great way to develop social, emotional and motor skills. The simple act of having one is a big responsibility and by having assigned task to each child that helps in the well being of an animal can do a lot for their sense of responsibility, confidence and general development. However, it is a decision that needs to be thoroughly thought about. Just “wanting” a classroom pet should not be the only factor in your decision making process. It is up to the teachers to decide if they can realistically have an animal in the classroom.

[Anastasiia]

Connecting with animals can help children focus as they learn to be attentive to their pets’ needs. Caring for animals also helps develop self-discipline.

[Stephanie]

Animals are important for early education because they can help keep children calm. They also provide a good environment for children who have sensory issues or sensory seeking children. As long as the animal is trained on how to handle rougher children, animals are very beneficial.

[Elleigha]

I think animals are a really fun way to capture kids’ attention and add unique experiences to their learning. I think doing an engaging activity, like watching caterpillars turn to butterflies or having someone visit with animals the kids can interact with can teach them a lot about how to be gentle, show empathy and communication with each other about the topic since they will all be pretty interested in it.

[kristina]

i do think that animals can be helpful in the classroom. it teaches them to be kind to everything and not just humans

[Briele]

I think that having pets in the classroom is one of the greatest things! I think that pets are a great way for children to learn how to love and respect other living things. I think that beyond gaining a sense of responsibility, that the compassion that pets help to shape in our kiddos is so beautiful!

[Trainer]

Briele, I love your perspective on how pets can teach children compassion and responsibility! They’re a wonderful tool for emotional growth.

[Teddi]

I agree! Animals are wonderful to have in the classroom. Children can learn how to care for animals, how to pet and touch an animal with gentle hands, how to feed and clean them. These are great lessons to learn and can make children feel proud. Animals are so good for emotional support too, if children are feeling sad. Sometimes just going over and sitting by a classroom animal can help a child calm down.

[Trainer]

Teddi, I love your point about animals providing emotional support and teaching responsibility. They’re definitely a great tool for emotional and social development!

[Tina]

Animals calm our wildest child immediately….

[Alexa Kyte]

I believe animals in the classroom can be a very affective tool in teaching about empathy and caring for others. They can also be a great exercise in patience depending on what it is.

[Trainer]

“Great point, Alexa! Animals indeed teach empathy, patience, and responsibility, making them a valuable addition to the curriculum.”

[Jhansi]

Bringing a pet into the classroom that can help children develop social skills like sharing, taking turns, and communicating effectively.

[Trainer]

“Wonderful idea, Jhansi! Classroom pets are excellent for fostering social skills like sharing and effective communication.”

[Cindy]

I believe pets in the class can be extremely helpful and effective in teaching life skills in the classroom. They can help us learn about maintaining physical health- ours and the pet’s. It can help promote responsibility, care and compassion, as well as an awareness for the needs of someone other than ourselves.

[Tim]

Know your children. Inherent fear of certain animals can be present (ie: snakes, rats, spiders). Don’t want to add trauma to them.

[Afraah J Abdi]

Yes ,animal can be effective teaching tools because they can help students to develop their empathy, sensor of community, their responsibility and also can help their communications.