A whopping 99 percent of teachers asked, say that having a pet in the classroom is a positive experience – leading to higher attendance rates, reduced student anxiety and, remarkably, more engagement in all areas of the classroom.
A survey of more than 1100 teachers found that classroom pets also lead to an increase in empathy and compassion. Interaction with animals is an essential part of learning for children.
However, as soon as you decide to have a class pet, expect the questions to start. What sort of pet should you choose? Who watches the pet on weekends? Is the pet age appropriate for your class?
These adorable little rodents are very popular as pets because they are cute, cuddly, and relatively easy to care for. Food, water, clean bedding, and an exercise wheel are all it takes to make these tiny friends happy.
These aquatic pets come in wide varieties and are diverse creatures that make an excellent pet for any classroom. From colorful guppies to pretty betas, fish is an easy pick for a great classroom pet.
These water-loving creatures are perfect pets if you pick a docile sort. Snapping turtles, including the alligator snapping turtle, would not make a good pet. These aggressive species can easily injure little fingers.
These cuddly animals are adorable but require special care. Regular nail trimming and bedding changes are essential for proper care. Given these, rabbits will make a wonderful addition to any classroom.
These cute, affectionate animals are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Their bathing, sleeping, eating, and playing routines are so easy that caring for this pet is a breeze.