Classroom Pets and Why They Are Good For You by BE

Second grade was my favorite school year for one main reason: Snoopy the frog. Classroom pets are not a distraction. Instead, they teach students responsibility, empathy and give children much needed stress relief. I think any elementary school teacher should consider a classroom pet.

In my second grade year, students learned responsibility using a chart. I eagerly awaited days when that chart had my name on it. On those days, after the morning announcements I would stop by the back corner of the classroom to take care of our four pets. If we forgot, our pets would be hungry. We never missed a day…

Studies conducted by Cornell University show that taking short study breaks can greatly improve students work and health. This does not mean you should stop working to play video games or watch videos.This means meditation, taking a shower or… connecting with nature. A five minute break with any animal will show dramatic changes in children’s work.

Going into third grade, none of the second grade students were willing to kill a beetle or yell at a classmate. I never forgot my year with Ms. Kettner. By caring for a pets, children develop an increased awareness of others feelings and needs. This world definitely needs more people like that.

I think teachers should each consider one small creature, one more life in their classrooms, one more project to show the students. With small changes, the next generation can hope to become more relaxed, more responsible, more empathetic and better people than their teachers ever had the chance to become.

Works cited: Health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters