Whatever Happened to the Classroom Turtle?

Research shows that keeping animals in classrooms can have profound effects on student well-being and success in school. In this practical guide, Dr. Brady Barr offers a step-by-step process for reintroducing nature-based learning experiences into 21st century schooling. Discover how to select a classroom pet, introduce it to your students, and design carefully thought-out lessons centered around the animal.

Use this resource as a comprehensive guide towards the reintroduction of nature into the classroom:

• Become familiar with the numerous benefits that having animals and class pets in the classroom provides.
• Study the various obstacles that might prevent educators from keeping animals in their classroom and learn how to overcome those obstacles to achieve hands-on learning.
• Discover a step-by-step process for bringing animals into the classroom in a way that enriches students’ lives through experiential learning.
• Learn the biology and life sciences of certain classroom pets, pertinent state laws regarding the use of classroom pets, and the process of keeping and caring for the animal.

Contents:
Acknowledgments
Table of Contents
About the Author
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Need for and Benefits of Animals in the Classroom
Chapter 2: Hurdles to Animals in the Classroom
Chapter 3: How to Select the Perfect Animal
Chapter 4: How to Locate Animals
Chapter 5: How to Write Lesson Plans
Epilogue
Appendix A: Tips
Appendix B: How to Create Self-Sustaining Food Sources for Your Classroom Animal
References and Resources
Index