In the February 17, 2011 edition of  The Yorktown Press, Kris Berry, a fourth grade teacher at the local elementary school, was mention in the article “Yorktown Stars” as a recipient of the Pets in the Classroom Grant.  Congratulations Kris!  We hope your students enjoy their new classroom pet!

The excerpt from ”Yorktown Stars”:

YES (Yorktown Elementary School) fourth-grade teacher Kris Berry is a recipient of the Pets in the Classroom grant sponsored by The Pet Care Trust.The $100 grant will be used to purchase a small animal for her classroom as well as all the needed food and supplies for the animal’s care. The Pet Care Trust offers this grant to teachers so that they can use small animals in their classrooms to help enhance the curriculum and provide an enriching classroom experience for their students. Students will learn not only how to properly take care of the animal, but they will also learn about responsibility and how important it is to be responsible when you are a pet owner.

Click Here to view the article online!

We are living in the digital age, and kids today are growing up in a world that is technologically advanced, fast-paced, and full of screens of all sizes and shapes providing virtual relationships.  Whether it’s a 3-D movie, interactive game, or online communications, kids are more adept with gadgets and apps than we will ever be.  But are kids today lacking exposure to some of their most basic, hardwired needs?

Noted environmentalist Paul Shepard argued in his 1992 book Nature and Madness that since humans evolved from hunters and gatherers, we have a need for sustained contact with nature for proper psychological development. His sentiment is echoed by Harvard Biologist E.O. Wilson, who believes that humans thrive in the presence of nature and need to nourish our natural affinity for living creatures.

We can see our affinity for nature in the choices we make:  Would you rather sit by a window at work?  Do we pay more for views of the ocean and mountains when we buy a house?  Are we as thrilled as the kids to visit a zoo and see amazing creatures up close?  Do we long for an escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives where we can sit on a beach or throw open the windows and breathe in the fresh air?

Author Richard Louv has stated that children today suffer from “nature-deficiency disorder” because they are lacking in the physical and psychological benefits of contact with the natural world.  Adding a pet to the classroom offers children an opportunity to unplug from their daily digital lives and reconnect with nature.  Whether it is simply observing tree frogs in their aquarium eco-system or handling the classroom hamster and providing for its needs, this daily dose of nature can have a profound impact on children in the digital age.

Learn more about having a pet in your classroom by visiting  www.PetsintheClassroom.org.

Pets in the Classroom is all about teachers and students having a classroom pet. What about a cockatiel for your classroom? Cockatiels are cheerful birds that originated in Australia.  They are social creatures and thrive on regular contact with other birds or people.  Cockatiels are easily recognized by their bright orange cheeks and showy crest on the top of their head.  They measure about 10-14 inches and come in a variety of color mutations such as cinnamon, gray, white and yellow.  With proper care and nutrition, cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years.

If you want a cockatiel that might learn to talk, choose a male bird.  Cockatiels make an entertaining variety of whistles, chirps and are great imitators.  Their talking might not be as clear as an African Grey or Amazon parrot’s, but you will recognize their talents as mimics.  Cockatiels enjoy interaction with people once they have been socialized and accustomed to handling.  They will want to be where the action is, and enjoy “flock” activities like eating at the same time you eat.

Cockatiels should have a roomy cage with perches and perhaps a natural branch and some appropriate toys.  Cockatiels are intelligent and inquisitive, and require stimulation to stay active and bright. They also like to chew, so providing safe toys and supervision when out of the cage is essential. Your pet professional can advise you on outfitting your classroom cockatiel’s cage with safe and entertaining features.  Cockatiels thrive on a diet of seed or pellets along with daily fresh fruit and vegetables.

Cockatiels like routine and consistent conditions, so it will be important to create a secure environment and regular schedule for your bird, as well as consistent supervision of student/pet interactions.  These  animated birds will provide many learning opportunities for students in any number of subjects. A pet store professional can assist you in finding out more about these lively birds to see if a cockatiel is the perfect pet for your classroom.

Would you like a cockatiel as a classroom pet? Pets in the Classroom has an online grant application that is easy and fast to fill in! Visit www.petsintheclassroom.org and get started today!

Deadline Extended on APPA’s 3^rd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest

Third, fourth and fifth grade students nationwide have until Monday, February 14, 2011 at 5:00pm EST to submit their entry!

Greenwich, CT – American Pet Products Association (APPA) President, Bob Vetere announced today that the organization’s 3^rd Annual National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest deadline for submissions has been extended to Monday, February 14, 2011 at 5:00pm EST.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are invited to write a unique poem about their pets, what they love about them, the joys they bring, and then post it on-line at www.petsaddlife.org or mail their final poem and submission form to: Pets Add Life, 45 Winter Street, Reno, NV 89503.

Two students from each grade level (6 total) nationwide will win a $250 gift certificate for pet products, and a “by-line” in a nationally circulated publication. In addition, the six winning students’ classrooms will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to spend on pet related education.

To learn more about APPA’s National Children’s Pet Poetry Contest, visit www.petsaddlife.org or contact Kerry Sutherland at The Impetus Agency, 775.322.4022 or kerry@theimpetusagency.com.

###

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958.  APPA membership includes nearly1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises.  APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.

Pets in the Classroom is all about the special bond between people and pets, as well as the learning opportunities that such a bond creates.  Caring for classroom pets helps teach students responsibility, and students can have fun taking an active role in their pet’s life.  Fish are great beginner pets, and there is a large variety of species and aquariums to choose from.

When you do start your search for a tank, look for one that is sized appropriately for your needs.   Rectangular tanks are one good choice for maintaining water quality and fish health, but your pet retailer can recommend various shapes and sizes to suit your classroom space.

Whichever tank you decide on, some simple maintenance is required.  Weekly 10-15% water changes are necessary to provide your fish a clean home.  You may want to use a siphon to remove 10-15% of the water and any gunk that collects in the gravel.  This is a fairly quick process, though you might have to scrub some of the algae from the sides of the tank.

Once you have taken the old water out, it is time to replace it with new de-chlorinated water. Adding a de-chlorinator to your water before you introduce it to the tank is important.  This chemical additive will condition the water to a level that is healthy for your fish.  Your Pets in the Classroom grant can be used to purchase all of the necessary supplies to maintain a healthy tank from your local pet supply store.

Keeping your tank in good condition is easy and something the whole class can take part in.  Setting up a checklist of these tasks for your students is a great way to teach them the process and get them involved.  You might consider having them on a weekly rotation working individually or on teams. They’ll quickly learn that their fish depend on them, and they’ll feel proud and confident looking after their new friends.    Pets in the Classroom will help you get started by providing you with the funds to purchase everything you need to keep your classroom aquarium in top shape.

Once you’ve chosen your classroom pet and purchased all of the necessary supplies with your grant from Pets in the Classroom, you’ll need to plan for bringing your pet into its new home.  Students will naturally be excited about having a pet in the classroom, but keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure that your students and pet will have a long and successful relationship.

If you are adding a pet to existing classroom pets, keep the new animal separated from the other animals for at least 7 to 10 days.  Once you introduce the animals, watch them carefully for any signs of problems.  A pet professional should be able to advise you on compatibility guidelines for your pet’s species.

Remember that any new pet will experience some stress moving to a new environment, so observe your pet carefully during this period.  Make sure he is eating and drinking and seems alert.  If you have any questions or concerns about your new pet, you can ask your pet retailer, local pet society or recommended veterinarian.

Limit handling of your new pet during the first week or two.  Involve students by allowing them to record observations of the pet, and begin a gradual introduction process.  Students can begin the handling process by petting the animal carefully while the pet is in his enclosure, feeding his usual diet or approved treats.  Educate yourself on the proper handling techniques for your particular pet, and supervise your students as they begin to handle him.  Remind students to move slowly and allow the animal to get used to handling and activity.

Through this careful acclimation process, your students will learn valuable information about the needs of their classroom pet, and how to build a lasting relationship with animals. Classroom pets provide learning opportunities, and enrich the classroom experience; and it depends on you for its health, happiness and well being.

To apply  for your Pets in the Classroom grant visit www.petsintheclassroom.org!

Pets in the Classroom believes an inexpensive and great “beginner” reptile is the common green anole.  These little lizards are common to the Southeastern U.S. and Caribbean, and are sometimes called American Chameleons, because they can change their color from green to brown to camouflage themselves.  They can also drop their tail if grabbed by the tail, and will usually grow a new one.

A glass aquarium with a screened top makes a great habitat for the anole.  Anoles can be kept alone or in small groups, but males can be territorial with each other andfight, so keeping females with no more than one male is best.  Anoles thrive in a semi-tropical environment with a soil, peat moss or orchid bark substrate.  They love branches for climbing and perching on, and live plants provide humidity and shelter.  To maintain optimum conditions you may want to incorporate a basking light and ceramic heating element, depending on the conditions in your classroom.  Your pet supply retailer can help you choose appropriate materials for your anole’s new home. Creating your anole’s environment can be a great classroom project.  Get your students involved; classroom pets provide wonderful learning opportunities.

Anoles drink water droplets misted into their environment and require a diet of live insects like crickets and meal worms.  With careful and consistent handling, green anoles can be quite tame throughout their 4 to 8 year lifespan.

For your Pets in the Classroom educational grant visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Mandy is a Kindergarten teacher in Ohio. She has her own blog and wrote about her experience  with Pets in the Classroom. Here is her story…

“This summer via Twitter I learned about a grant, Pets in the Classroom.  I’ve had pets each year I’ve taught.  It started out with fish.  Then I added a guinea pig.  Then a second fish tank.  Then I added a turtle.  I’ve had parents help with materials and supplies with donations but I always spend my own money during the year.  As you may know parent help also varies each year.  I had a moment that summer day and I am so thankful I went to pursue this grant further.  The application is done all online, it really took me 10 to 15 minutes and glancing over my curriculum standards.  I hit the submit button and two weeks later I was notified I received a grant and it was $150.00.

Pets can help foster learning in all academic areas.  Pets help students learn responsibility.  Pets help students feel better.  Pets are interesting, fostering wondering.  Pets have brought a lot of projects for learning during my years of teaching.

Yesterday my daughter A and I went to a local pet store to purchase fish for each tank and to improve the living quarters for my painted turtle.  We learned a lot about caring for my painted turtle to make it better for him.  I decided to do the upgrading with my students first thing this morning.  We did a water change, removing a little muck.  The fish filter I was using had died right before break.  Today, Chica (named after the turtle in the book, Nim’s Island) got a new reptile filter, and a new, bigger and better climbing “toy” which allows his water to be deeper.  This creates a better swimming environment for him.  I found it interesting to have the girls take an interest in adding water to Chica’s cage.  I learned he should have half his tank filled with water.  I got everyone involved to help figure out how much half would be.  We used unifix cubes and two made equal groups to determine half.  We also got reptile serving tongs so I’m not dangling earth worms over a popsicle stick to feed him.  These tongs are steel and 12″long.  I have no interest in a turtle nibbling my fingers!  Enjoy these photos and we will be doing more projects with our pets.”

From Mandy’s blog enjoy-embracelearning.blogspot.com.

Pets in the Classroom is dedicated to teachers who wish to have a classroom pet. As Mandy says, pets help students learn responsibility, students feel better about themselves. Simply put, pets enrich our lives. To apply for your grant to have a classroom pet, visit www.petsintheclassroom.org.

Pets in the Classroom wants teachers to have small animals in their classroom. Have you thought about a chinchilla as a classroom pet? Here are some interesting facts on this furry friend!

Chinchillas are crepuscular rodents (meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, like rabbits) native to the Andes mountains in South America.  They are known for their distinctive, silky-soft fur coat.  Chinchillas typically live about fifteen years, and if handled from a young age can be tame and enjoy bonding with humans.  They are active and playful pets that are fairly easy to care for.

One of the most unusual things about caring for your chinchilla is that this pet requires regular dust baths.  At least twice a week your chinchilla should be offered the chance to bathe in special chinchilla dust that helps to absorb excess oils and keep the coat in beautiful condition.  Chinchillas seem to really enjoy their dust baths, too.  They roll and flip around in the dust very enthusiastically!

Chinchillas like a regular routine for handling and feeding times.  They stay healthy on a basic diet of roughage and chinchilla pellets.  They like a fairly quiet environment, and need a spacious cage with a spot to hide and room to exercise.  Chinchillas need to chew, so chew toys, wood blocks or pumice stones from your pet retailer should be incorporated into their environment to keep their teeth healthy.

Research this unusual classroom pet and its care to see if it’s the right choice for your classroom.

To apply for your educational grant for a classroom pet just click here, applying could not be easier!

Despite their somewhat scary reputation, snakes are quickly growing to be one of the more popular pet choices among people of all ages.  Contrary to what you might think, certain snakes can even make great classroom pets.  Recommended beginner snakes like the corn snake come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, are docile, and generally grow to about 3-5 feet.  Ball pythons are another popular species of snake, and make for an exciting addition to any classroom.

Housing a snake in the classroom tends to be fairly easy and requires only a few important things.  One of these is a secure, escape-proof tank.  Most snakes tend to look for openings or cracks to squeeze into in their enclosure, so keeping them housed and secure is important to their safety.  Another necessity, as with other pets, is a clean water dish.  Snakes like to have a fresh water spot where they can soak, particularly before a shed.

Snakes are cold blooded animals and rely on an external heat source to control body temperature and maintain metabolism. Without adequate heat, snakes cannot digest food properly and eventually will starve to death. Snakes kept in overly warm environments can also become ill or die, so it is important to keep the temperatures within the acceptable range.

In a captive environment, use one or more heat sources for the reptile’s enclosure, such as heat lamps, undertank heaters, heat tape and ceramic emitters. Hot rocks are not recommended because they can cause thermal burns.

Snakes should be kept in housing with a range of temperatures, typically about 10 to 15 degrees F. This temperature gradient allows the snake to move from one area to another to warm up or cool off as needed. Shedding is a necessary process for a snake’s growth. The frequency in which your snake will shed its skin is based on its rate of development, though it normally occurs every five to eight weeks.  Most snakes only feed every 7-10 days (on small pre-killed rodents), but before a shed may eat even less frequently.

When choosing your snake make sure that it is well-fleshed, no cuts or scrapes, and has clear eyes.  These are signs that the snake is healthy and well-nourished.   Also make sure to go over proper handling and care techniques with your students.

When done right, bringing an exotic new pet into your classroom can be an incredibly exciting experience for you and your students.  With a friendly corn snake or an adorable ball python, you and your class will be surprised at how fast you “shed” your creepy-crawly view of snakes and see these awesome reptiles’ true colors.

A pet in the classroom is are wonderful resources for teachers, they help teach responsibility to students, and help build a child’s self esteem. Visit us at www.petsintheclassroom.org today, and we’ll help get you on your way. Applying for your grant couldn’t be easier, just go online, fill in the application form and we will get back to you in 7 business days!