It's no wonder kids don't know any better...

[daftscotslass]

I thought it would be fun to have a quiz with my class on my last day working last week. I gave them 9 general knowledge questions and, as a giggle, told them they could have 5 points if they guessed the name of one of my piggies. They managed one and then one of the pupils came to speak to me. "My guinea pig just had babies" he chirped. I know he has several but what do you say to that? I don't want to pry too much, particularly as I'm his teacher and I'm not sure it's my place to say.

[homeschoolmama]

Hmm, that's a toughie. Could you gently say something like "oh, that's nice! I hope that the mother is alright, as I've heard that breeding can be lethal to female guinea pigs!" Then you're not chastising, and not lecturing, just making a short, simple observation.

[Chloë-Jasmine]

If younger kids think something is wrong or bad, especially in their own home, they'll say something to their mom or dad. Like my brothers used to come home and say 'My teacher said it was unhealthy for mom not to eat meat.' And just little random stuff like that. I'm not sure how old they are so it's hard to say.

[Ly&Pigs]

Maybe since you are a teacher, you could teach the child on the proper way to care for guinea pigs. Printing out one of guinealynx's care pamphlets would be a great way to start.

[daftscotslass]

I will probably print him the leaflet when I go back to see the class on Friday. I actually read them a poem on a rabbit that belongs to a child and gets forgotten about. Upset a few of them but it got the point across!

[Spirited]

It might be an idea to give the leaflet out to all the students as part of a talk about pets. Singling him out isn't good, and it means you can give out the advice to other students who may consider asking for them as pets.

I don't think it's a good idea to come out with 'I've heard it can be lethal for the mum' etc. It's not the kids' fault, and they may have no influence over their parents, and get really worried about it. It's better to educate rather than use scare tactics on impressionable kids. Your job as a teacher is not to force your views on to kids on issues of personal conscience.

Besides, people can argue with opinion, they can't do much about facts produced in an unbiased way.

Spirited

[SkinnyPiggys]

Originally Posted by Spirited

It might be an idea to give the leaflet out to all the students as part of a talk about pets. Singling him out isn't good, and it means you can give out the advice to other students who may consider asking for them as pets.

I don't think it's a good idea to come out with 'I've heard it can be lethal for the mum' etc.

I have to second this. I am also a teacher and have dealt with this problem many times. Maybe you could do a small unit on pet care. Sending home care sheets is another good idea. You have to be carefull because you don't want to offend anyone, but it's great that you have an opportunity to help! Thanks for being such a caring teacher!

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