Animals in the Classroom
Animals can teach us so much about life and help children build both academic and social skills. Learn how to determine if an animal is right for your program and how to select the right pet. And if having an animal in your facility isn't feasible, there are many other opportunities to teach children about the animal kingdom.
*Bonus* Lesson Plans!
Goal: to understand the benefits of learning about animals and how to evaluate whether a pet is right for your program
This mobile-friendly class can be accessed on any device, including tablets and phones.
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Animals in the Classroom
Learning Goal
To understand the benefits of learning about animals and how to evaluate whether a pet is right for your program.
This module explores the significant role animals can play in early childhood education. We will examine the developmental benefits for children, from fostering empathy and responsibility to enhancing sensory experiences and scientific curiosity. A key focus will be on providing a practical framework to help educators and administrators thoughtfully assess if introducing a classroom pet aligns with their program's resources, philosophy, and the well-being of both the children and the animal.
Table of Contents
- What do Animals Teach Us?
- Is an Animal Appropriate for Your Classroom?
- Selecting and Caring for an Animal
- Other Ways to Learn About Animals
Learning Objectives
After completing this class, the student will be able to:
- list the benefits of children interacting with and learning about animals
- describe the process of evaluating whether an animal is appropriate for their facility
- discuss how to select an animal for their classroom
- list options to help children learn about animals
NOTE: This course may reflect state-specific regulations. No information in this course supersedes any state regulations you need to follow. You must consult your state’s regulations when developing policies and procedures. Regulations for all states are accessible on the National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations. Click on the link provided to view regulations in your state.
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
- list the benefits of children interacting with and learning about animals
- describe the process of evaluating whether an animal is appropriate for their facility
- discuss how to select an animal for their classroom
- list options to help children learn about animals