[briteach]

I'm teaching a unit on animals in a couple weeks (3rd grade class). We're looking at vertebrates and invertebrates, so we're basically looking at every type of animal. I'd love to introduce a classroom pet of some sort starting already next week maybe when we return. I want something easy, little mess, etc, etc. I know fish are great, but, maybe boring for the kids. Has anyone done: tadpole--watch it grow into a frog? Turtle? Lizard? Other types of frogs? Little gerbil?

I'm pretty lost. I just know I want a little pet and I'm willing to put in a bit of money and time, but I do want it to be fairly easy to take care of. Any words of wisdom would be great!

Also, have you ever had to worry about allergies?

[Socks]

I have a 10 gallon fish tank with three Silver Mollies and a Chinese Algae Eater. The neat thing about Silver Mollies is that they are live bearers so when they have babies, they come out live - no eggs. Just before break I had a pregnant mollie that gave birth. She had about 30 babies! The kids LOVED that. I now have the babies in a separate tank (2 gallon) so they can grow without fear of being eaten by the adult mollies. They will stay there until they are big enough to be introduced to the large tank. Not all 30 will survive, at last count, I found 8. Others could be hiding but I won't know for sure for a while.

I have heard that tarantulas are terrific classroom pets. Everytime I go to the pet store I take a look but I'm just not sure I can do it! Plus, I've had several teachers tell me they'll never come to my room again!

[Garden Gal]

I have hermit crabs-low maintance. I had tropical fish for a long time. 2 years ago I got tired of fish so we started the year with an empty 10 gallon tank. I asked the kids what could live in the tank-turtle, hermit crabs, fish, mice, gerbils, etc and what could not-the answers were really fun-kangaroos, dogs, etc. We narrowed the list of things that could live in the tank to five types of animals. we researched the needs and habits of all five. We discussed safetly and allergies. A parent who is a Veternarian came to talk to us about pet care. we didn't actually vote on a pet-as I wanted to maintain some control in the choice-but by process of elimination we ended up with hermit crabs.

[tat2]

I"ve tried many things already mentioned but my personal favs were fire frogs from the pet store. Try to avoid nocturnal animals such as hamsters, they are still a responsibility and sleep when you need them most. Be Sure You Train Your Kids To Take Pet Responsibilities...Do you really need more to do yourself? Whatever you decide to do, clear with the powers that be... my new principal feared any critter despite the fact that she, herself, could be quite venomous... When getting a room pet, don't go too exotic. Replacement is often necessary. Food storage can be an issue or you'll attract classroom animals that you don't want...How accessable is clean up...avoid glass containers...Does your custodian use noxious cleaning supplies? Plan for care at holidays, summer break. If all else fails, resort to a virtual pet...many options, no mess, the responsibilities are educational and could be done as a reward. Another plus is the little animal could slumber party on weekends and be a journaling project. Kids love them; they are a minimal investment;they take up little space; and the only hygiene issues are with the kids
Have fun and enjoy the unit...let us know how it goes...