A hamster can be a good pet.
A pet can be an invaluable experience for elementary school children. The pet can teach responsibility, create a connection to the classroom, serve as a motivator, and be something that children love. If the teacher is willing to take on the additional responsibility of caring for an animal in addition to all the children in the classroom, a pet can be a great addition to the classroom.
Many people find mice to be great classroom pets.
Many criteria must be considered when choosing a class pet. It cannot be too big as classrooms often have limited space. Cost should also be considered, as the teacher will likely have to pay for the animal, its food, and its habitat. It should also be a bit sturdy. Each particular type of animal has its advantages and disadvantages, and the teacher must weigh them and decide which one is right for his class.
A pet snake may or may not be appropriate for a classroom.
Rodents like hamsters, gerbils, mice, and guinea pigs don’t require any kind of special environment, expensive equipment, or specific temperatures to thrive. They are furry, cute, warm and children quickly develop a strong bond with them. The downside of keeping a pet rodent is that it tends to have a strong odor if its cage is not cleaned frequently. They can also bite if provoked and are usually very fragile. Younger children should be closely supervised when handling small rodents, or you should institute a “do not interfere” rule to prevent accidental rough handling.
Guinea pigs require little special effort.
Birds are physically more delicate than many other animals. They will not survive in drafts and need a somewhat regulated temperature in their environment. Many birds are quite social and get along better with other birds or when routinely handled by people who may be appropriate with them. Young children may not have the ability to handle a bird without injuring it, making it a poor choice for a pet.
When choosing a class pet, consider how the pet’s food and veterinary care will be handled.
Some reptiles are beautiful to look at, but they are delicate or poisonous and should not be handled by children. Others are more hardy but require elaborate and expensive habitats with heat. Most large snakes and lizards eat rats and mice, which can scare small children. Some reptiles, such as the leopard gecko, appear more harmless, can withstand more handling, and therefore may do better as pets.
Ferrets can be a good class pet.
A hardy fish like a betta is a good low-cost option for a classy pet. Obviously, they are not cuddly or can’t be handled, which provides less interaction for children. However, they are inexpensive, have a relatively long shelf life, and can be kept in a simple aquarium.