Pets for the Family and for the Classroom

Animals can be entertaining and educational. But children, especially children under 5 years of age, are more likely to get sick from germs animals can sometimes carry. Children can learn a lot from animals, and it’s important to make sure they stay safe and healthy while they’re learning. If schools plan to have an animal in your classroom, whether it’s a class pet or for a hands-on learning experience, they should be aware of the risks and how to prevent illness.

Early childhood educators can introduce animals into their settings in effective, engaging ways. In this article, Annemarie Hindman explains some of the challenges with classroom pets, then offers alternative, unit-focused approaches that she purports are better for animals, early childhood educators, and children.

Any dog can bite: big or small, male or female, young or old. Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured. Most dog bites are preventable, and there are many things parents can do at home and within your community to help prevent them.

When children care for animals, they practice making decisions and create a positive classroom environment. This article explains to teachers why to have classroom pets and makes the connection to children’s social and emotional learning.

Each year, millions of families welcome a furry friend into their homes. Having a cat or dog can be emotionally rewarding for children and adults. The age of a child is one factor to consider when getting a pet. Other factors are discussed in this article.

Like any other member of the family, pets can have a big impact on a child’s development. A positive relationship with a pet can help children with areas like social-emotional and motor skills. This article gives the benefits of having a pet for a child’s development!

This article for parents explains how to choose an appropriate pet, caring for a pet, and the advantages of pet ownership for a family.

At an early age, you can begin to teach children the fundamentals of respecting animals and their boundaries. This article gives parents ideas about how to teach their young children to understand dog behavior and avoid injury.

Are you thinking about bringing a pet into your family? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some helpful advice and things to keep in mind before choosing an animal.