In Lebanon, Oregon, a unique situation arose when the local school closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My spouse, Amanda, wears two hats at our children’s school: she teaches gardening and assists in a fourth-grade classroom. Amid the closures, we unexpectedly became caretakers of the classroom pet—Snappy, a Venus flytrap. You might wonder how a plant qualifies as a class pet, but considering Snappy’s bug-eating habits and fascinating nature, it certainly fits the bill. Currently, he resides on my son’s windowsill, eagerly awaiting a chance to snag a meal as soon as the patio door is left ajar.
The variety of classroom pets extends far beyond low-maintenance plants. We reached out to various individuals to learn how they managed class pets during these unusual times, and it’s heartening to see both parents and teachers step up to take care of these creatures.
Classroom Pets Across the Country
For example, Laura Thompson, a fourth-grade teacher in Queens, New York, faced a similar predicament with their popular class guinea pig, named Oreo. Scheduled to go home with students each weekend, Oreo’s plans were disrupted by the pandemic. Laura has since managed to coordinate a monthly care system for Oreo, ensuring he remains a beloved part of the class community until they return in September.
On the other hand, Emily Grant, who teaches animal behavior in the Bronx, had an extensive collection of classroom pets. She successfully found homes for a multitude of animals, including two gerbils, a colony of hissing cockroaches, and several reptiles. The class even created an Instagram account to keep track of how their pets were faring during the lockdown.
In rural Oregon, Amanda’s former student, Lisa Baker, took home Cujo, their furry teddy bear hamster. Cujo’s popularity soared, with my son, Lucas, even suggesting a pet swap for Snappy. However, given our dog and cat, it was clear Cujo wouldn’t fare well in our home.
Challenges Faced by Teachers
Some classrooms faced even more challenges. Kristina Hall, a third-grade teacher in Lunenburg County, Virginia, was in the midst of a science project involving hatching chicks when schools shuttered. With 16 chicks hatching, Kristina documented the process on YouTube, allowing her students to witness the miracle from home, but now she’s responsible for 16 new chickens.
Not every class pet found a caring home, particularly fish. In Ohio, teacher’s aide Sarah Miller ended up with a fish named Peppa after other teachers opted out of fish care responsibilities. Sarah’s track record with fish gave her the confidence to take them in, preventing a rather sad fate for the aquatic friends.
Finding Joy in Unusual Times
As the situation evolves, many families are finding joy and purpose in caring for these class pets, turning the experience into a valuable learning opportunity. A Brooklyn mother noted how her child’s classroom tortoise, named Holly, has provided comfort during the challenging lockdown days.
Gratitude goes out to all those willing to care for frogs, hamsters, cockroaches, and even Venus flytraps. The hope remains that all classroom pets will return safely to their schools, reuniting with students when normalcy resumes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pandemic has prompted families and educators to work together, ensuring the well-being of classroom pets while creating lasting memories and lessons for everyone involved. For further insights on family planning and home insemination, consider visiting this resource. If you’re looking to explore more about artificial insemination, this site is a trusted source. Additionally, you can find excellent resources on pregnancy and related topics at Facts About Fertility.