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ANIMAL CRUELTY PREVENTION
MONTH
Teachers Should Carefully Consider
a Classroom Mascot
(WMS) - Animals are relied upon for many reasons: they can
be a trusted companion, a set of eyes for the blind, a devout worker or even just someone
to cuddle. Many people, teachers especially, also believe that an animal can be a good
asset for the classroom -- a learning tool. And according to the ASPCA, a classroom pet
can be a great asset when teaching life sciences, building empathy and respect for living
things, and fostering responsibility. But they also say that the learning environment can
turn sour when, at the end of the school year, the classroom mascot becomes the classroom
problem and must be turned over to the local animal shelter because there is no one to
care for him or her. Though you may have fond memories of your classroom hamster, fish,
guinea pig, or mouse, consider these pointers, courtesy of the ASPCA before you decide if
an animal is right for the classroom.
COMPASSIONATE QUESTIONS
*
Are live animals necessary to achieve the learning objectives set for students? Consider
field trips to parks, zoos and wildlife habitats, guest speakers with
"ambassador" animals and the creation of a nature habitat in or around the
school. * Can the class ensure consistent, conscientious and compassionate
care?
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Will the animal be actively integrated into a variety of lessons?
*
Do any of the students have asthma or allergies that would preclude keeping certain
animals?
*
How will the class ensure the health and care of the animal during holidays, breaks,
weekends and year's end? Every summer, shelters across the country are inundated with
hamsters, mice, rabbits, gerbils, fish guinea pigs and reptiles whose tenure as classroom
pets ended unceremoniously.
*
What animal is best for the classroom? Learn as much as you can about a prospective pet.
For example, is the animal active during the day or at night? If you wake a nocturnal
animal like a hamster, he or she may bite. How long does the animal life? Does her or
she like to live singly or in pairs? Can the animal be handled safely?
*
How many is too many? Don't increase the population of unwanted pets. Keep social
animals in same sex pairs or have them spayed or neutered.
WHAT PETS ARE BEST? Once you've made the decision to introduce an animal into the
classroom, you may find that many are not well suited to this environment. Ironically, the
kinds of animals best suited to be with humans -- cats and dogs -- are the least practical
for the classroom. Birds and rabbits are not good candidates either because they tend to
be more sensitive to noise. There are, however, small mammals and fish that may be
appropriate. Guinea pigs represent the best choice. When properly socialized, they enjoy
being held and rarely bite. They are also larger than rodents, which can be much more
easily harmed by inappropriate handling. |
