The topic of classroom pets has come up a lot recently in teacher discussions. The start of the new school year is when many have to make the tough choice – to have a class pet or not to have a class pet. For some teachers, the case is closed because of school or district rules about animals in the classroom. Others are, understandably, on the fence about bringing creatures into a classroom filled with 24-32 young children. Instead of worrying about the regulations and rules regarding live animals, create a 5-minute Class Pet.
5-Minute Class Pet Tutorial
You will need:
- Foam pom-pom
- 2 eyes
- Glue
Directions:
1. Fluff up your foam pom-pom so that it is full and round.
2. Glue the eyes onto the pom-pom.
3. Let dry completely before trying to move the pom-pom. Unfortunate eye-sliding accidents can occur if you move it too soon.
4. Use a small shoebox or other container (you could even use a margarine container with a lid) as the class pet’s “home.”
Now that your classroom pet is made, here are some activities for using it in the classroom:
1. Students can read to the class pet during Daily 5 or reading center work.
2. The Student of the Week can keep the pet on his desk for the week.
3. Students can write creative stories about where the pet has traveled. Think journal prompts!
4. Graph name choices for the pet.
5. Students can photograph the pet in different places in the school. “Where in the school is our class pet?”
6. Let students take turns taking the class pet home for the weekend. They can then report on where the pet went and what they did over the weekend on Monday morning.
How would you use a 5-Minute Class Pet in your classroom? Share your ideas below!
ccfteacher says
Very Cute idea. I used something called a “quiet critter”, which is similar, but made out of a small pompom. When the students are working quietly, the critters come out. I leave them on children’s desks as an incentive to keep working quietly. They love them.