[Nargis Sarin]

We have had several children over the years.

Some children we’ve had attend our daycare from 4 months old and are now 14 years old. Occasionally they still come by to say hello and their parents’ have said that our daycare was the best and that their children still talk about certain teachers that they loved.

[Alex Hwong]

I think that are pretty effective. We have a pet tortoise in the school that the kids love to watch. They learn how to be caring. Sometimes a dog is brought in so we can learn about responsibility. We get caterpillars and watch them grown into butterflies learning about a life cycle. Even bugs outside we teach are life and that it’s their home outside so we don’t need to squish them.

[Trainer]

Alex, your examples show how animals can teach empathy, responsibility, and science concepts effectively. Great job!

[Tecaela]

In my opinion majority of young children have some interest in animals and it can be a great way to encourage them to get involved.

[Chaleena Simmons]

Animals in the classroom help children regulate their emotions while also learning to be compassionate and patient. Animals help children to calm down and feel safe when triggered.

[Trainer]

Chaleena, you captured the benefits of animals in the classroom beautifully. Patience and compassion are valuable skills for children to develop.

[Alexandra Karki]

Animals in the classroom foster a sense of community, in sharing the responsibilities of caring for the animal. It can promote the development of empathy and organizational skills.

[Elizabeth]

Animals are a great teaching tool with children. One tip I would give would be to start talking about what animals would be good classroom pets, and what responsibilities would be required to ensure the happiness and safety of the animal and the children. After a while of discussing it with the class, and among the teachers and families, bring in materials to learn about that animal. Also, use outside as an opportunity to observe animals. You can also ask families if they have pets that they are able to bring in and interact with the children.

[Donna]

I think they are effective at teaching because animals wear their expressions on their face or tails! My dog smiles, he does! And his tail wags when he is happy. We say let’s be like Gregor the dog! Show your teeth when you smile and wiggle with happiness.:-)

[Jiraporn]

I think having animals in the classroom is a great learning resource for children of all ages. Kids love animals, and always curious about animals. Having animals in the classroom is benefit in learning about animals habitat, behavior, and how to take care of a living thing that belong in the classroom.

[madison]

When you teach a kid to keep trying and not to give up and believe in them I feel it make them a lot stronger in the future and teaches them that just because you didn’t get it right the first time I should keep going and not give up right away.

[madison]

I think animals can be helpful in a classroom because they bring happiness and its fun to play or cuddle up next to them when you are sad.

[Kristin]

I think having animals in classroom settings gives a positive vibe. It can teach many concepts, can be relatable, and offer encourage relationships. I have a fish tank with one fish and a snail. We named them and created them name tags, some kids have fish at home and can share their ideas on how to take care of, and it helps calm some kids when they are overwhelmed (they can sit and watch as a calm down technique or talk to someone about what they are seeing). I am not a big animal person. So I have also included a pretend pet dog. He does classroom activities with us and is sent home to explore other places and be a family activity. We keep a journal of all his experiences to share with others.

[Christian]

Keeping it simple in the being and seeing how it works out with your kids

[Trainer]

“Christian, starting with simple interactions and observing the children’s reactions is a great approach.”

[sim]

I do think is good to have animal in the classroom. Children can learn better and caring and have a good mood in the class. It benefit both children and teacher. Having an animal make you smile.

[Veronica]

I used daily experiences outside. When we had the trees or insects studies, we searched for insects. The children observing insects and even taking actions and their answers are so funny. When we went back to class, they sometimes said their own stories about the snake (worm ) that they saw outside, and sometimes little ones stepped on the insects. I intervened once and said “X”” you are ending the population of worms.” I smiled and the others smiled ,too.

[Kathleen Mercer]

Animals can be a fun addition to a classroom community. Students form attachments with them, can learn responsibility from helping take care of them and will often brighten their day.