Classroom Pets Are Fun & Educational

Think of this as "Small Animals 101"

Small animals are a great educational tool. With a little creativity and some solid lesson plans, you can use your small animal to help students understand ...

• Math ("Let's weigh our gerbil.")
• Language arts ("Write a story about our hamster.")
• Science ("Measure out how much food our mouse needs.")
• Social studies ("Find out what pets are popular in India.")
• Geography ("What mountains are home to chinchillas?")

Keeping a small animal in the classroom is fun and easy. Here are some things to consider before you bring in a furry pal.

• Be ready to regularly provide your small animal with food, water, and attention.
• Is your classroom pet-friendly? Check here to see specific environmental and dietary needs of some small animals.
• There will be many opportunities for you to share your small animal with kids' parents during weekends and holidays.
• If you have students with allergies, you'll need to choose an appropriate small animal.

Part of the responsibility of keeping a small animal is also one of the most rewarding aspects; it helps instill a respect for life and increases awareness of others' feelings.

You may even see that some students' connection to the pet will encourage them to further embrace education as a whole. And, you'll be proud when your kids give a presentation on your small animal to visiting classes.

Read specific pet care advice, and then select the small animal that's right for your class!