I'm a first grade teacher in Arlington TX and am ready to try another guinea pig in my classroom. I'd like a baby, anyone know who I might contact? Thanks!
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Get a class goldfish.
I must admit I don't understand the thinking behind teachers getting classroom pets. If it's to introduce children to proper animal husbandry, it's a strange way to go about it, because proper animal husbandry for a guinea pig would demand a calm, stable environment, which a classroom full of small children most certainly isn't.
Which is precisely why the typical classroom animal arrangement, where the animal is taken home on weekends by some random child, is a terrible idea.You would be amazed at how many children have no contact with animals ever. These children continue to surprise me with the misconceptions they have. Many believe animals can not feel pain and are disposable objects. The children are not born believing this, they learn it and pick it up from others around them (usually adults).
I would agree, but don't agree that a classroom environment is a good one in which to teach a child such a thing with a living animal.I think it is very important that children learn how precious animals are and that they deserve to be cared for and protected. However, I also believe that if a teacher chooses to have a classroom pet she needs to do it responsibly. The safety of the children and the pet are vital.
I don't know...I have two pigs who are very very friendly and would do really well as a classroom pet.