Ever wanted to take on classroom pets, but you’re not really into creepy crawlies? Maybe you don’t have space, or your students are too young? Maybe your administration has put the kibosh on the classroom pet plan. Whatever the reason you think classroom pets are a bad idea, I have a solution for you! Virtual classroom pets take the stress out of living animals needing daily care.
Hands-On Science
My classroom has affectionately been called the pond for the last few years. Mainly because we have had access to many types of classroom pets; Red Eared Sliders, Fire Belly Toads, Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons, and Betta Fish. I hatch tadpoles every year (the perks of living near the river), and save toads from the sandbox for student viewing. The outdoor classroom has many opportunities to house classroom pets that educators do not need to care for.
I contact a local duck and chicken ranch, each spring, and they bring in ducklings for a hands-on science lesson. I grew up on a large cattle ranch and creepy crawlies (also classroom pet ideas) were a normal encounter. As a result, I have brought in live tarantulas, skinks, salamanders, worms, and snails, but draw the line at snakes in my classroom. YUCK!
Home-Family Connection
A few years ago a colleague began introducing literacy book bags, and an idea was born. My students can take home a book bag each year that allows them access to an otherwise unattainable animal. They learn to care for the classroom pet through the science books I include in the bag. They draw pictures of a habitat they wish to create, and they add their classroom pet ideas through the cut outs and stickers included. Once their weekly diary is complete they return it to school, and we read the adventures as a class. Stress-free for parents and teachers alike!
This all came about after my own son excitedly ran to the car, one Spring Break about 12 years ago. He informed me, his 3rd grade teacher was sending him home with one of the classroom pets for the week. Did I forget to mention the class pet was an 8 foot Corn Snake? First of all, we have already established, I don’t do snakes, and second, as a teacher I would never make assumptions about families and their comfort level with live animals. However, I summoned my inner country girl, to the excitement and surprise of my children. We duct taped the lid closed, and brought home that slithery snake (complete with a live mouse for his dinner). It was after this week of stress that I decided students need access to exotic animals, but not at their parents’ expense.
Best Classroom Pets
I have created a virtual classroom pet for my classroom and want to share with each of you. Even if you think having a classroom pet is a bad idea, this option seems to be for everyone. Print out one of the Virtual classroom pet science books (or all of them), laminate, add some jump rings, and share with your students. It’s as easy as that! In case you like to be a little extra (like me), just download the FREE virtual classroom pet statistics page and you have an instant history to share with your students. Currently the classroom pet science series consists of an informational book for Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons, Betta Fish, and Anole Lizards. More virtual classroom pet science titles are coming soon (Butterflies, Red Eared Sliders, Fire Belly Toads, Snails, and more).
Classroom Pets, Virtual v. Real
Although I use virtual classroom pets as a way to allow access to multiple types of animals each year, we do still have a live Leopard Gecko and Betta Fish in the classroom. Our Leopard Gecko, Luca is 11 years old now, and a fantastic addition to not only the science area but also as a calm down space for many students. When someone is having a rough day, they head over and chat with Luca. I have also had great success with our Betta Fish, Magenta (yes, I know she is actually orange). The children will watch her swim quietly for quite some time.
Maybe you have always wanted to have a classroom pet, but something is stopping you. It could be the thought of caring for the animal, the creep factor, or maybe your classroom is in an area where caring for live animals would be difficult. If any of these reasons sound familiar, and why you think having a live classroom pet is a bad idea, perhaps a virtual classroom pet is the way to go!
Classroom Pets Related Reading:
- Bugs: A Pop Up Book
- Lily the Leopard Gecko
- Give Up Gecko
- Learn to Draw Reptiles
- Chippers Journey to America
As an Amazon Affiliate, I will make a small commission on items purchased from Amazon. See the TOU page for more information.
Skip to content
4 Responses