Animals for Kids Learning

Owning a pet or observing an animal on the farm or in class is a great way to teach kids about animals. While some animals allow kids to witness physiological processes, others teach children responsibility. To determine the best animal your child will learn from, consider the lessons you'd like them to learn and how much time you can invest in such a lesson.

  1. Snakes

    • Snakes are perfect for the home or class, provided they are not poisonous and adults supervise children's interaction with them at all times. These slithery animals provide a number of lessons to children who can literally watch them feed and shed their skin before their eyes in a snake tank. Allow children to observe the dull texture of a snake's skin before he sheds. Kids can view a snake after shedding to see his shiny skin and feel his smoother texture for a learning experience. Kids may also enjoy picking up and feeling the shed skin. Additionally, kids may have the opportunity to watch snakes eat and even digest their prey like bugs and mice. if you do choose a pet snake, however, be sure your child is not squeamish.

    Dogs

    • Dogs provide valuable lessons in responsibility for kids who can attend to a dog's needs while paying attention to his reactions. Teach your children that dogs pant when they are thirsty, get dry noses when they are sick, and wag their tails when they are excited. These are lessons children can learn and witness on a daily basis with a dog. Children will also learn responsibility if you require them to walk and feed the dog daily.

    Frogs

    • Frogs are great ways for kids to learn about amphibians. Kids can watch frogs catch insects with their tongues and observe their webbed feet. Ask your child how much time the frog spends in the water or out of the water. Tadpoles are an opportunity for your child to watch the evolution of a frog for a one-of-a-kind biology lesson. Have your child note the tadpole's growth over time and how long it takes to become a full-size frog.

    Hamsters

    • Rodents are good learning pets because children can interact with them through touch, though do not require a great deal of attention. Teach kids that rodents, such as hamsters, get their exercise on wheels, eat foods such as vegetables and insects, and sleep at night. Since hamsters are nocturnal, allow your children to play with them after dinner for the most activity. You can also allow your child to feed to hamster and watch how he eats, as ell. Keep your hamster in a cage away from your bedrooms, as they can keep you up all night.