Pets in the Classroom
About The Pet Care Trust
Incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1990, The Pet Care Trust is a non-profit, charitable, public foundation. The purpose of The Pet Care Trust is to help promote public understanding regarding the value of and right to enjoy companion animals, to enhance knowledge about companion animals through research and education, and to promote professionalism among members of the companion animal community.
Pets in Pre-K 108
In the 2012-2013 school year, I applied for the Pets in the Classroom grant and received it. I used the opportunity to get a bearded dragon for the class. A bearded dragon can be used to spark student interest in caring for a living thing. They will see the different needs of different animals just like how we have different needs. In pre-k, a lot of instructions occur spontaneously based on student interest. A pet bearded dragon will be a great way to spark interests of an animal we do not see everyday, and it will lead to different topics of instructions based on the curiosity of the students. The set up requirements of the bearded dragon will show students how different animals require different kinds of care and it will lead into the reasons why they are required.
Bossk, also known as Durian, is the dragon who guards the entrance to our classroom. She sits very still and is often mistaken as a fake pet. She attracts the attention of visitors and those who pass our door. Her diet consists of insects such as mealworms, superworms, and crickets and also enjoys a variety of fruits and vegetables. Be sure to stop by and give her a quick hello! |
Clifford Be Big
Clifford Be Big Contest
The goal of BIG Ideas is to support children's growing understanding that the actions they choose make a difference to themselves and others. The BIG Idea present value-based content that engage children in important life lessons.
Family Center Night
In 2013, I applied for the Scholastic's Clifford Be Big grant to help put into place a school event that emphasizes Clifford's Big Ideas of Share, Help Others, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Play Fair, Be a Good Friend, Believe in Yourself, Respect Others, Work Together and Be Truthful. The idea of Family Center Night was inspired by the many other family events we've had at our school; such as Family Dinner Night, our book fair teacher read aloud, and our Health and Wellness week events. The main concept was influenced by the importance of play in child development. Play allows a child to explore their imagination and creativity. Through play, a child is able to develop social skills, language, and the Big Ideas outlined in the Clifford's Be Big contest. Play is heavily emphasized in pre-K but its importance is overshadowed by the pressures of academic rigor and getting a child on grade level. The BIG Idea is set to establish a monthly Family Center Night at P.S. 244Q, with the goal to bring families together to interact and become more involved in school activities. A second goal of the program is to allow kids to be kids again. Family Center Night at our school will allow children of all ages and grades to experience what pre-K does on a regular basis. Children will engage in play with family, friends, and teachers. My idea was one of five first prize winners of $1,000. The money was used to bring in more toys that allows for unstructured and unguided play for our kids to use in school and at home.
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