There are so many wonderful things that our students can learn by caring for a classroom pet, but food, hygiene, and even the occasional vet's visit can sure take a toll on the budget!
Do you know that there's money available to help? I'd like to tell you about Pets in the Classroom, a non-profit, charitable, public foundation. The foundation is funded by donations from individuals, pet industry companies, industry associations, corporate sponsors, and other foundations. Although I don't have personal experience with this, the grant process seems to be very straightforward: one grant per teacher per year, and you find out if you're approved in just 3-4 weeks!
Seven kinds of grants are offered:
The site also has free downloadable care sheets for animals ranging from dwarf gerbils to leopard geckos. They're written for 4th or 5th grade, but we all know that a piece of highly motivating material will often be attacked and mastered by many students who technically aren't actually at that reading level yet. Just display the print-outs near where your classroom pet resides for some instant non-fiction text practice!
If you need to convince your administrator that having a pet is a beneficial and ... dare I say it ... even a Common Core-justifiable practice, Pets in the Classroom has this print-out for you.
There's even a link at the site for a quick and easy way to tell your friends about this program ... click here to "tell a teacher"!
If your students (or YOU!) are kind of crazy for cats and dogs, here are a few resources you'll love!
Here's a fun set of pet-themed 120 chart games!
It's time to share the puppy love with a freebie! This set includes a blank game board for you to use with your own flash cards, plus the two completed ones you see here, ready for your kinders and firsties to use! Just click here or on any of the images below to get your freebie!
Have fun loving your classroom pets!
Happy Teaching!
I have never heard of Pets in the Classroom! Going to check it out now. How awesome!
ReplyDeleteJulie
The Techie Teacher
Super - I hope you get a grant!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteLinda
I have never heard of Pets in the Classroom either! How awesome! I am definitely going to check it out! Thanks so much for linking up!
ReplyDelete... and thank YOU for organizing this terrific linky party!
DeleteLinda
I've never heard about that foundation but think it's a GREAT idea! Why don't we teachers know more about hidden gems like these? Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete:0) MelissaMore Time 2 Teach
So glad to share, Melissa! You can use the link I mentioned to spread the word to your friends. Pets in the Classroom will be wondering why they're getting a sudden influx of applications! :)
DeleteLinda
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Ronnie!
DeleteThank you so much for linking up with us! I have received a grant from Pets In The Classroom and it was wonderful. We had hermit crabs for a few years. I definitely recommend them.
ReplyDeletexoxo,Amy
How great to hear a success story from Pets in the Classroom, Amy! I also had hermit crabs in my room many years ago - the kids loved them!
Deletethanks for the opportunity to be part of the fun linky!
Linda
Wow....I have never heard of Pets in the Classroom! I will most def. check it out and spread the word to some of my colleagues that have bearded dragons! I am having so much fun perusing through all of the bloggers that have linked up in this linky party. The parade of pets is awesome! Thanks for sharing, Linda....and I am your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteKatie
Mind Sparks
Wow - multiple friends with multiple bearded dragons?? I'll bet the kids love them! Thanks for stopping by, Katie, and thanks for following!
DeleteLinda