What are the benefits of having a classroom pet in an early elementary classroom?
The
research question posed was: “What are the benefits of having a
classroom pet in an early elementary classroom?” According to our
findings, having a classroom pet makes students feel more at ease,
reduces stress, encourages healthy development of caring and empathetic
relationships, and increases compassion. In regards to
other areas of development, having a classroom pet increases student
self-efficacy, increases responsibility, promotes healthy social
interactions, enhances self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, and
reduces egocentrism. Some challenges to having a classroom pet include
student allergies, taking care of the pet on weekends and holidays,
licensing regulations, school policies, and health and safety
liabilities. In connection to theories of education and child
development, having classroom pets encourages industry rather than
inferiority according to Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development.
In Erikson’s theory, there are eight different crises, and the
developmental crisis that affects early elementary aged students is
known as Industry vs. Inferiority. The crisis of Industry vs.
Inferiority involves whether a student has confidence in their abilities
or if they feel incompetent and doubtful. Having a classroom pet allows
students to demonstrate their ability to take care of something else
and to be responsible, thus encouraging them to identify with the
industry side of the crisis.
EDUC 330, Child Development
Brian Kaelin
L203, poster #6
10 AM – Noon
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