I have my first year of teaching under my belt.
This year will be better.
This year will be..AMAZING!
As I spend my summer vacation Pinning math workshop and classroom decor ideas, adding items to an already ridiculous TO-DO list, and thinking of all the things I need to buy to make this year better than the last..I have been thinking about one thing that I WILL add to my classroom this year. A class pet.
However, I am totally lost on this topic. So, I am asking for YOUR thoughts, experience, etc.
A few very important things to know:
(1) My classroom has no windows. Very sad, I know. The only window we have is on the classroom door and gives us a lovely view of Mrs. Hatley's BEAUTIFUL bulletin board. (Love you Mrs. Hatley ;) )
(2) I really wish I could just bring my cat everyday. But, he would not be a good class pet..
So, I am back to square one.
Here are my ideas. Read and then let me know your thoughts. :)
Option 1-Fish
Pros: We have fish at our home. And have for many years.
I have most of the supplies to set up and care for fish.
Children can learn to care for fish very easily. We have a sink in my classroom which makes it very easy to care for.
Cons: What to do with them over the long breaks? They are not easy to move.
Option 2-Hamster or other small rodent
Pros-Cute. I also had a few when I was younger. But, with a cat around...it's not such a good idea..But, I know how to care for them.
Cons-They can be stinky, and some people are frightened by them. Some species bite. And they sleep during the day..BORING!
Option 3-Rabbit or Guinea Pig
Pros-They are so cute! My sister had a teacher when she was young who let her bring it home over all the breaks to care for it.
Cons-I have never had one and have no idea what goes in to caring for them. Big, stinky cages. Biting?
Option 4- Bearded Dragon
Pros- I had a biology teacher that kept them in our class in high school. They were so cool! (I am not a reptile person at all!)
Cons-Very expensive to purchase ($60 a piece)! Also, I don't have a heating lamp or any of the necessary things to get started.
Option 5-Birds
Pros-Colorful, awake and active during the day.
Cons-I don't know anything about caring for them.
Option 6-Any other ideas you have? Except snakes..no snakes!
Have you ever had any of these as class pets or as in home pets? What are your experiences? What are your thoughts. Please leave me a comment to let me know.
