Whatever Happened to the Classroom Turtle?

Research shows that keeping animals in classrooms can have profound effects on student well-being and success in school. In this practical guide, Dr. Brady Barr offers a step-by-step process for reintroducing nature-based learning experiences into 21st century schooling. Discover how to select a classroom pet, introduce it to your students, and design carefully thought-out lessons centered around the animal.

Use this resource as a comprehensive guide towards the reintroduction of nature into the classroom: Become familiar with the numerous benefits that having animals and class pets in the classroom provides. Study the various obstacles that might prevent educators from keeping animals in their classroom and learn how to overcome those obstacles to achieve hands-on learning. Discover a step-by-step process for bringing animals into the classroom in a way that enriches students' lives through experiential learning. Learn the biology and life sciences of certain classroom pets, pertinent state laws regarding the use of classroom pets, and the process of keeping and caring for the animal.

Contents:

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

About the Author

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Need for and Benefits of Animals in the Classroom

Chapter 2: Hurdles to Animals in the Classroom

Chapter 3: How to Select the Perfect Animal

Chapter 4: How to Locate Animals

Chapter 5: How to Write Lesson Plans

Epilogue

Appendix A: Tips

Appendix B: How to Create Self-Sustaining Food Sources for Your Classroom Animal

References and Resources

Index