I'm thinking about getting a classroom pet next year. I think I've narrowed down my choices to a bearded dragon, fish, a small bird or stick bugs. I want something that's pretty easy to take care, quiet, clean, allergy free, safe and friendly and ultimately I'd like some interaction between pet and students to be possible (ie. being able to be held, not like fish). My favourite choice is a beardy- I used to work in a Science center that had one and he was amazing, very friendly and docile and great with kids, plus my hubby had one before he ended his eastern seaboard adventure and had to give him away so he'd love to have another. Also, I'll probably be getting stick bugs no matter what, they're the perfect pet- totally quiet, clean, easy to feed, fun to hold and can open up tons of discussion (also a bonus, when they get over populated they make a great treat for a bearded dragon!).
The beardy pictured is my husbands ol' lil' guy, Yoshi. He's being well taken care of by a friend back east now.
Have any of you had a classroom pet that was a success or disaster? Any suggestions for me? :D
Coming later on this blog: an actual introduction to me, with more details. I bet you can't wait, can you? Ha.
As far as classroom pets, I feel like I've had them all. . .except for lizards and bugs. Ugghh!! bugs make my skin crawl. I love lizards, but I refuse to purchase bugs to feed my pet. {shudder} I love your idea of a bearded dragon and stick bugs. I think the kids will love to have something different (i.e. not a furry mammal). And, you make a great point about stick bug overpopulation!! ; )
ReplyDelete(And, yes, I am on the edge of my seat. . .can't wait to hear more about you!)
I guess turtles and frogs are not that safe, maybe but they were big hits in the class where I student taught.
ReplyDeleteIn the district I teach in (second grade), we can't have furry, feathered, or "swimming" pets for liability reasons. But, one of my co-workers has a pair of Madagascar Hissing Roaches in his classroom, and the kids just love em! Go figure! They are big, clean, sturdy, and require very little care. They even travel on the kids' shoulders! If you can get past the fact that they are roaches, then maybe that might be the pet for you :)
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