For the past couple of weeks families have been invited
to bring their pets in to play.
We've met several dogs and a cat.
A guinea pig from the kindergarten class.
And a beautiful corn snake.
We learned to ask first if we can pet a dog and how
to safely meet a new dog by making a fist with our
hand and letting it sniff it first.
We found toys for the cat to play with when it tried to escape
the classroom.
The children loved following the animals around the room,
in and under furniture.
The pets inspired conversations and stories about the children`s
experiences with animals.
And not just with the children.
This dog helped make connections between parents.
A snake is an unusual pet for most of us and
they come with a negative reputation.
But the children modeled for all of us how to overcome
some fear and discomfort with the pet snake.
The family also brought the snake`s skin that it had recently shed.
Wow look at the head, you can see the eyes too.
Pets are calming, loving and teach us so much.