Genius Hour Update

I'm so glad I chose to research the topic of class pets because I am learning so much and having to think about things that I may not have if it weren't for this project.

In the beginning I asked myself how class pets could be successfully incorporated into a classroom, and lessons. I am finding out now all of the things which must also be considered before getting a pet to make sure the experience is indeed a success. This includes being aware of any allergies that students may have and picking a pet accordingly. For instance, many people with allergies are often triggered by dander that can be breathed in from pets with fur, so if there are allergies in the classroom it might be a better idea to get a pet without fur. This could include fish, snakes, and turtles.

These were not pets that I had thought of before beginning as my own experience was having a rabbit in the classroom, as well as having furry animals in my own home. However, I am seeing that these animals have just as much as an impact on the students from hearing about the experience of other teachers. These are also animals that students may know less about, and so many teachers have created inquiry projects based around their animal which has motivated students that previously dreaded homework and assignments. There is a real world experience here and they love learning about their new friend!

I also heard positive uses of class pets from my associate teacher who told me, without even knowing I was doing this project, about her guinea pig that she previously had. She told me about how their piggy was used to create connections with communication and sociol-emotional skills simply by talking to her. If a student was having a rough day, whether from a social experience or even from being frustrated with their math, they could go sit and talk with the pet, their non-judgmental friend, and return to their desk feeling as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders, and ready to continue learning.

I learn more exciting things every day!