How Do Class Pets Help Students Learn? Insights and Impacts

Class pets are more than delightful additions to the classroom; they significantly influence learning and development. But how do class pets help students learn? These animals boost academic engagement, enhance emotional health, and encourage student responsibility. 

This blog will explore how classroom pets enrich classroom environments and positively impact student growth.

Education and Welfare

Have you noticed how much classroom pets can change a classroom's atmosphere? They're not just there to be adorable; they actually play a big part in boosting both learning and emotional well-being. Here’s a closer look at how they pull off these impressive feats:

Making Learning More Engaging with Pets

Imagine having a class with a pet. Suddenly, lessons feel less like a routine and more like an adventure. Here’s what pets bring to the educational table:

• Increased Participation: Students often participate more actively in lessons that involve pets, which helps information stick better. See Survey.
• Improved Focus: With pets around, students tend to focus better, possibly because the classroom feels more lively and enjoyable.
• Interactive Learning: Pets make excellent teaching aids, especially for subjects like science and nature.

Supporting Emotional Health in Students

According to Dr. Harvey Markovitch, pediatrician and editor of The Archives of Disease in Childhood, being around animals is highly beneficial for children. It not only improves their morale but also teaches them about relationships and empathy.

The study referenced by NCBI points out that 40% of children seek the companionship of their pets when feeling down. This emotional connection not only aids in handling personal emotions but also enhances their ability to focus and perform academically.

Teaching Responsibility Through Pet Care

Caring for a pet is a big job, and doing it right teaches students important life skills. Here's what they learn:

• Consistency and Commitment: Regularly feeding and cleaning up after a pet teaches students the importance of sticking to a schedule.
• Real-World Consequences: Students see the direct effects of their care on the well-being of their pets, which reinforces the value of responsibility.

Emotional Development

Classroom pets do more than just keep students company; they play a crucial role in shaping emotional skills that are vital throughout life. Here’s how these adorable animals help students grow emotionally in the classroom:

Building Empathy and Compassion

Caring for a pet requires understanding and responding to its needs. This task helps students develop deeper empathy and compassion. When they nurture a living creature, they learn about the importance of kindness and caring. Observing a pet's reactions to various interactions also enhances students' ability to read and respond to emotional cues, a key component of emotional intelligence.

Enhancing Social Skills

Pets are great at breaking the ice and helping students connect with one another. Here’s what they do:

• Encourage Connections: Pets often become the center of activities in the classroom, helping students bond over shared responsibilities and experiences.
• Encourage Teamwork: Taking care of a pet requires student cooperation, which enhances their ability to work together and support each other.
• Reduce Social Anxiety: Pets can be a comforting presence for students who find social interactions challenging, making it easier for them to engage with peers.

Providing Emotional Support and Comfort

The soothing presence of a pet can be incredibly comforting. Pets often provide emotional support by:

• Being There: Just having a pet around can make the classroom feel safer and more welcoming, which helps students relax and feel more secure.
• Offering Unconditional Acceptance: Pets don’t judge; they accept affection and give it back unconditionally, which can be a great comfort to students facing challenges or feeling pressure.
• Enhancing Mood: Interacting with pets has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which naturally improves mood and reduces stress. Research on human-animal interactions highlights that these effects, possibly linked to the release of oxytocin, contribute to improved mental well-being, creating a more positive and relaxed atmosphere for students in the classroom. 

Related: Best Low Maintenance Classroom Pets, According to Teachers!

Expanding Learning with Class Pets

Class pets, including plant pets like Moss Amigos, open up creative and engaging ways to explore different subjects. In Math, students might calculate the food portions for a hamster or measure the growth of a Moss Amigo over time. 

Science lessons come to life as they learn about the ecosystems needed to keep pets, both furry and green, thriving. Geography gets more interesting when students trace where certain animals, like ferrets, naturally grow. Language Arts can take a fun turn by having students write stories or descriptions about their classroom pet. For more on how pets influence learning and well-being, check out The Power of Pets.

Wait, What Is Moss Amigos? And Why It’s The Best Class Pet

Moss Amigos are plant pets that bring a unique, low-maintenance option to classrooms. Unlike traditional pets, Moss Amigos require minimal care but still offer educational and emotional benefits. 

They’re kept in jars, making them hypoallergenic, which is ideal for classrooms with students who may have allergies to animals. Plus, their simplicity encourages students to learn about nature, ecosystems, and responsibility without the complexities of caring for a living animal.

For more insights on choosing the best classroom pets, check out our guide to best class pets.

Wrapping - How Do Class Pets Help Students Learn?

Class pets, including Moss Amigos, are more than just classroom companions. They help boost student engagement, improve emotional well-being, and teach important life skills like responsibility and empathy.

So, how do class pets help students learn? Their presence encourages curiosity, builds emotional intelligence, and makes lessons more engaging, turning the classroom into a supportive space for student development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What effect do pets have on students?

While research on the effects of growing up with pets is limited, some studies suggest that students who had pets like dogs or cats experience lower stress levels. One study found that undergraduates with pets showed better social skills compared to those without. Pets may offer emotional support, helping students manage stress and social interactions more effectively.

What can children learn by having a pet?

Children who care for pets can learn important life skills, such as responsibility and empathy. Having a pet helps kids become more independent and confident as they realize an animal relies on them. It also encourages creativity, particularly in developing problem-solving abilities.

How does your pet influence your life?

Owning a pet can lead to a healthier lifestyle, with benefits like better heart health, fewer sick days, and more exercise. Studies show that pets also help reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being. Also, they may positively influence social interactions, offering support and companionship that can enhance everyday life.

How do pets teach life lessons?

Pets teach valuable life lessons, especially the importance of being present and appreciating the moment. Unlike people, they don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. Their ability to live in the now reminds us to focus on what’s happening right in front of us.

References:

The power of pets. (2024b, June 17). NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets

Niedziela, K. (2024, July 15). Survey: Classroom pets Improve the Student Experience. Today’s Veterinary Business. https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/classroom-pets-071524/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CStudents%20are%20motivated%20to%20engage,the%20children's%20sense%20of%20responsibility.%E2%80%9D