Ideas on Easy Classroom Pets

In elementary classrooms, a pet helps teach students compassion for smaller creatures as well as helps instill responsibility. Some animals and reptiles are more suited to a classroom environment than others. Before you buy a pet and all the needed equipment, think about allergies and safety -- not just those of your students but those of the animal you̵7;re thinking of buying.

  1. Considerations

    • Some animals can aggravate allergies in your students. Pre-empt such a reaction by sending a note home with your students before you select a species, asking about possible allergies. This will guide your decision whether to buy, as well as your decision of what to buy. After you've determined that, investigate where the individual pet you're considering originated. The classroom pet you choose should be healthy. Look for liveliness in individual specimens as well as in litters on the whole. Look for general cleanliness in the store and note the appearance of all the animals for sale, the University of Saskatchewan's "The Care of Live Animals" web feature advises.

    Bearded Dragon

    • The bearded dragon is gentle and easily handled. This reptile̵7;s size makes it easy for younger students to pick up, hold and transfer him to another student, the Pets in the Classroom website says. Your class can study this animal and learn about his habitat, disposition and eating habits. Incorporate lessons on responsibility by assigning groups of students to clean the dragon̵7;s cage and freshen his food and water bowls.

    Guinea Pigs

    • The guinea pig is a good choice for a mammal. The rodent's relative size makes him a good choice for a classroom pet. He̵7;s larger and slightly sturdier than a mouse or hamster would be. When the guinea pig has been hand-tamed from infancy, he is easy to handle and will allow your students to touch and pet him. A drawback is that you and your students will need to clean his cage more frequently.

    Fancy Rats

    • Domesticated rats are sociable, and they easily learn simple tricks, according to Pets in the Classroom. As with the bearded dragon and guinea pig, your students can gain valuable lessons in responsibility by taking care of your classroom rat. This particular rat has a calm temperament and loves to play.

    Fish

    • A small fish aquarium can make a good selection for younger students, if you aren̵7;t sure they can safely handle domesticated rodents or reptiles. Choose hardy fish who are less vulnerable to illness -- "beginner fish." Your students can feed the fish, taking turns during the week. An aquarium full of fish darting about can help your students relax.

    Nonpoisonous Snakes

    • You̵7;ll need to buy the right kind of tank to house a gentle, nonpoisonous snake for your students. Choose a snake with a gentle disposition. The species you select should stay small -- shorter than 3 feet long. Your students can learn about feeding habits and other behaviors of snakes.

    Birds

    • If you and your students can work through the singing of a classroom bird, a finch is a good classroom pet. If you're leaning toward a bird, keep in mind that the finch is social and needs companionship. Choose two males in a pair; other combinations are problematic -- moreso for a classroom than for an experienced avian hobbyist's home.