As we discussed in a previous blog, we at Pets in the Classroom want to help teachers as they begin a new year, and possibly a non-traditional way of teaching. With many schools using remote learning this year, we wanted to share a few ideas we received from teachers last spring on how to incorporate your classroom pet into your lessons!

 

Here are some ways to make remote learning fun using your classroom pet:

• Send cards/photos from your classroom pet. Your students will feel special and more connected to your “classroom.”
• Include your pet in video meetings. It can be exciting for students to see your pet and can help increase their engagement/participation!
• Use pet chat apps to have your pet “talk” to the kids. Have you seen these? You can’t help but smile!
• Use your pet as a source of inspiration for assignments – journal entries, story ideas, art inspiration, etc. If your students are excited about your pet, it can make assignments more enjoyable.
• Have your students send/email letters to your classroom pet. You might be surprised what they will share with your pet that they might not say to you!
• If you have the ability, set up a live stream video feed of your animal! Students can then check in on your animal when they need some entertainment, comfort, or a friend to talk to when they need one.

What Teachers are Saying:

Because this list only summarizes the ideas teachers have shared with us, we also wanted to share a few quotes from teachers explaining what helped students in their remote learning:

“I purchased our two class pets in late February, less than a month before COVID-19 caused our school to go virtual. Although my students only got to spend a few weeks with our class rats (Cookie and Muggo), the pets undoubtedly had an effect on my students even after they weren’t able to physically be together. We found ways to get creative when interacting with our class pets – we had “Reading with Rats” sessions and a weekly “Rat Chat” session on Fridays where students could pop in to talk about life and see their beloved rats. Even though the school year ended much differently than expected, I am thankful that our class pets still brought joy to our virtual classroom. Thanks for all you do to support class pets in schools.”

Maggie Lottes

 

“During the school closing, I used a site called Classdojo. I took videos so that the kids could tune in to watch the aquarium together and talk about what they saw and to think of stories about the fish. I bought chicks and ducklings too so that the kids would be engaged with the activities and want to log onto class. It worked. They were excited and looked forward to each video about the pets’ progress.”

Sharon Blackwell

 

“During mandatory stay-at-home, students were very worried about Alexandria. I decided to post a daily picture of her. I have incorporated these pictures into travel, pop culture, geology and more. I include coloring pages and links to websites so students can learn more. Out of 960 students, 641 have signed up voluntarily for my Google Library Class to see Alexandria and learn what she has been up to each day.”

Tracy Lech

 

“Cookie & Caramel have helped me tremendously in staying connected to my 2nd graders during these digital learning days. The kids are obsessed with them and their encouraging messages and updates during our time apart. The Guinea pigs help me “read” their online submissions and encourage the kids to stay busy by coloring and being creative!”

Ashley Pietrzak

 

We hope you find this information helpful!  Be sure to share your ideas with us on our Facebook or Instagram page, and also follow us as we have some exciting news to share in the near future!