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.

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!

Interested in bringing a reptile into the classroom? Pets in the Classroom suggests, before you run down to the local pet shop, consider adopting a pet from one ofyour city’s herpetological groups.  All of the animals available through organizations like the Phoenix Herpetological Society have been rescued or abandoned by their previous owners and are in desperate need of a permanent, loving environment.

The goal is to provide healthy and safe habitats for hundreds of reptile species including turtles, lizards, snakes, alligators, and others.  Along with providing safe housing and relocation for these animals, these herpetological groups are setting out on a venture to educate the public on responsible ownership and proper human-animal interactions.

Some of the ways these organizations accomplish their goals is through school programs and consumer groups and foundations.  The Phoenix Herpetological Society even offers live reptile summer camps for children of all ages.  These programs are composed of educational presentations, arts and crafts projects, and even field trips through the PHS facility.

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to reptiles, and most are feared simply because they are misunderstood.  With organizations like PHS at work, kids as young as three years old are getting the opportunity to be exposed to some of the world’s most beautiful creatures.  At Pets in the Classroom, we understand the benefits of introducing children to animals of all kinds and support the furthering of animal education in public schools.

For more information on organizations in your state, visit www.anapsid.org/societies/#us.

To apply for your grant visit us at www.petsintheclassroom.org!

Here is what Miss Gregory has to say about Pets in the Classroom!

“I can’t tell you enough how much my 4th grade class loves our class pet
Sammy (bearded dragon).  He is a reward for on-task students to hold and
play with as well as a job that rotates throughout our class (pooper
scooper, feeder, sprayer, handler).  They all can’t wait for their day
to get involved (even the pooper scooper)!  It is amazing how much one
little pet can make such a difference in a classroom.  I wish I would
have known this years ago.

Again, thank you so very much.”

Kim Gregory, M.Ed.

4th Grade Teacher
Bell’s Crossing Elementary School

Pets in the Classroom is an educational grants program, providing resources for teachers and opportunities for learning for children.

Are you a teacher who would love to have a classroom pet, but needs a little financial help? Pets in the Classroom awards grants up to $150.00 to purchase (or adopt) a classroom pet, or purchase food and supplies. Visit www.petsintheclassroom.org, click on “grants” button, and apply for your grant today!

You’ve decided on a classroom pet, done the research, purchased the pet’s environment, and are ready to bring your pet into your busy classroom.  When selecting a pet, whether it is a hamster or a turtle, buy or adopt from a source that keeps their pets in clean and spacious conditions.  Look for a healthy, alert pet with no visible problems such as wounds, scratching, discharge or lethargy.  You want to minimize the chance of any potential health problems cropping up later.

If you have existing classroom pets, your new pet should be kept in a separate enclosure for a week or two.  Moving can be stressful! Your new pet will be under a little stress and will need to become accustomed to its new surroundings and environment.  During this time period, watch the new pet carefully for any signs of trouble, and monitor its food and water intake.

You’ll also want to limit the activity and handling of your new pet during its initial weeks in the classroom.  Starting off with gentle petting and gradually progressing to occasional handling is a good idea, especially with younger children.  You may want to hold a classroom lesson on safe and gentle handling of your classroom pet.  Since a scared pet may scratch or bite, teach children to move slowly and carefully.

By acclimating your new pet gradually to the classroom, you will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for students and the classroom pet.

Pets in the Classroom offers grants to teachers who already have a classsroom pet. These grants are to help with food, equipment and other supplies. Click here for your online application.

Hermit crabs make an unusual and very interesting classroom pet.  But don’t let the hermit crab’s name fool you – they are not “hermits” but prefer the company of other “hermies” to be at their happiest.  In the wild, hermit crabs travel in packs of up to 100 crabs.  One of the reasons hermit crabs need to be around other crabs is because it provides possibilities for new homes as they switch shells.

The best habitat for your classroom hermit crabs is a spacious aquarium big enough to hold food and water dishes, extra shells and things for your crabs to climb on.  There should also be some open space for roaming.  The bottom of the habitat should be covered with clean sand or coconut fiber substrate.

Hermit crabs are a great addition to your science curriculum.  These crabs require their water to be treated with a dechlorinizer that can easily be purchased in the aquarium section of your pet supply store.  A sponge or small stones can be added to the water dish so that smaller crabs don’t drown in the dish.  Hermit crabs require consistent temperatures and humidity, so you may want to add a shallow dish of water with a natural sponge in it to create a more humid habitat.  You can actually purchase a humidity gauge, which should always show at least 70% humidity.

Cholla wood, coral, and specially designed elements for hermit crab habitats are all needed to provide an enjoyable and interesting habitat for your crabs.

Classroom pets are an important way to forge healthy child-pet relationships, and it’s important for teachers to educate themselves on which type of pet is best for their classroom.  One popular choice of classroom pet is the domestic rabbit, which can make a wonderful pet, but also has some special requirements.

What many people don’t realize is that rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are primarily active during dawn and dusk hours.  This means that your classroom rabbit will probably be at its most active before and after school hours.  It’s important that students recognize the rabbit’s need for sleep during the day, and this should be taken into account when planning for a classroom rabbit’s weekend and vacation care as well.

Rabbits can be sensitive to diet changes, so it’s very important to keep your classroom rabbit on a consistent diet, and provide the proper food for out-of-classroom stays.  According to the House Rabbit Society (http://rabbit.org) the proper diet for a house rabbit is “good quality pellets, fresh hay (alfalfa, timothy or oat), water and fresh vegetables.”  They also point out that, “Anything beyond that is a ‘treat’ and should be given in limited quantities.”

Rabbits can also be litter-box trained.  This is more easily accomplished with older, spayed or neutered bunnies, and a variety of fillings can be used in the box.  Absorbent newspaper covered with hay can be used, or you can look for organic litters made from alfalfa, oat, citrus or paper.  Litter-box training your classroom rabbit can allow for more freedom and exercise for the pet.

You should also create a play area for the rabbit.  Rabbits need an exercise area – they need as much as 2-3 hours to stretch and play.  Building an exercise area makes for a great classroom project.  The area should be completely “rabbit-proofed” and contain the litter-box and a variety of bunny-safe toys.  Use positive reinforcement like small bits of healthy foods to train your rabbit to return to his or her cage after play time.

According to the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (http://www.mn.companionrabbit.org) rabbits can be trained to walk on a leash with the proper harness.  The Society even offers classes on leash-training rabbits!  Look for an “H” shaped harness in the cat section of your pet supply store, or a comfort harness from the rabbit section.  This training will take time and patience, and of course, all student/rabbit interactions should be carefully supervised.  There may be some rabbits who decide that walking on a leash is not for them, but many enjoy the activity and interaction.

There are many rabbit education and rescue organizations throughout the U.S. that can provide teachers with valuable resources on this popular pet.  Educating the entire classroom on rabbits before making the decision on a classroom pet can be a great way for children to learn more about the responsibilities of proper animal care, and the potential rewards of interacting with pets through consistent care and training.

Pets in the Classroom allows children to benefit from the social support of pets and learn to bond with and care for pets responsibly.  The Pet Care Trust understands that many teachers have limited financial resources to include pet care as part of the classroom experience, so this program provides easy to apply for, direct grants that allow teachers to purchase new pets, pet environments or pet food and supplies for existing classroom pets. Visit www.petsintheclassroom.org to apply for your grant today!

At Pets in the Classroom, we don’t just love animals.  We also look forward, every day, to giving teachers the unique opportunity to educate their students in a fun and interactive way.  We believe that by incorporating your class pet into your curriculum, your students will easily develop a genuine interest to learn.  Try bringing pets into your English or Art lessons for a unique experience, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

Taking your kids on a trip to the library is a great way to spark an interest in reading.  You’ll find a wide variety of books – fiction and non-fiction, based on your classroom pet for students to share with their peers.  They’ll get an early start on doing research and have fun finding new stories of animals just like theirs.

You can also have your students write their own stories about their pet.  Have them tell how they’d spend a day out with their new friend, or write daily journal entry’s about its life in the classroom.  Help them find different ways of describing their pet to make each assignment even more interesting.   By doing this, your students will be able to use their imagination while working on critical English skills.

Want to get even more creative?  Have your class illustrate pictures of their pet on a regular basis as a way to record its growth and change over time.  Try having them create an image with markers or crayons and another with paint.  Experimenting with different materials is a great way to get your students familiar with art.  Encourage them to use lots of different colors and details to make their images stand out.

Another great creative project is to have your students create collages of pictures and facts about their animal.  This is a great way for them to express themselves while having fun incorporating their new friend.  Have each child present their collage to the rest of the class, and you’ll be subtly building an early foundation for public speaking.

Pets in the Classroom is dedicated to providing teachers with new fun and interactive learning opportunities.  Whether you decide on adopting a goldfish or a guinea pig, your class pet will help inspire creativity and learning in students of all ages.  Fill out an application online, and let us help you take the first step.