The benefits of warm, fuzzy occupants in a classroom are becoming more widely known these days.
Kids relax around animals! They don't feel judged! They perform better!
I realize that institutional learners only have this luxury when a teacher is able to navigate budget issues, allergy hurdles and red tape, but we love that we can seize the opportunity to roll with this.
Jake and Rory, our pony-sized dogs, are always hanging out in and around the school room... on the couch, under the school room table, flopped in front of the door, wherever it may be; they love to remind us that home life is the best life.
Bunnies make their way into the school room too. Whether hopping around and exploring, cuddling in a girlie lap or, my least favorite, sprawled out on desktops, the Blossoms love bunny presence.
Ransom, our Albino Cockatiel, sometimes perches atop his homemade perch or on a Blossom's shoulder. He enjoys the change of scenery and occasionally will nibble on posters and papers.
Yes, I admit that occasionally, the animals become a distraction. I don't hesitate to send them back to their residences. Overall, I try to remind myself often that every student learns differently than I do.
If math with a bunny in your lap is better, then, why not?
Because we can.
