Pets in the Classroom Hosts 3rd Annual Lesson Plan Contest for Teachers

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The Pets in the Classroom grant program invites pre-kindergarten through 8th grade teachers to enter its 3rd annual Lesson Plan Contest by submitting lesson plans that incorporate classroom pets. Now through August 1, teachers can submit their lesson plan ideas that center on the use of fish, reptiles and small animals in the classroom in the form of worksheets, photos, PowerPoint presentations, fliers or any written lesson plans. The winner of each category will win a $100 gift card. Categories are: Small Animals/Birds (One each for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8), Reptile/Amphibian (One each for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8), Aquarium/Fish (One each for PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8). The nine winners will be announced August 21st.

Winners will be chosen based on quality, creativity and depth of work submitted.  The entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Progressive – Having the ability to communicate multiple topics or one topic across different depths of knowledge

Interactive – Having the students actively seek out and record their knowledge

Thorough – Lesson plan is complete with stated objectives and evaluation of results

Challenging – The students are pushed to expand their knowledge and pets are an integral part of the classroom curriculum

Select entries will once again be featured on the Pets in the Classroom website, allowing teachers to utilize and adapt lesson plans for their own use in their classroom.

The Pets in the Classroom grant program provides grants to Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade teachers in both private and public schools for the purpose of purchasing and maintaining classroom pets. Classroom animals are wonderful resources for teachers that, when incorporated into lesson plans, can have a profound impact, the group says. Classroom pets not only provide excitement in the classroom, but they also benefit students by teaching them responsible, long-term pet care at an early age and providing the psychological and developmental benefits associated with the human-animal bond, according to Pets in the Classroom. Studies have shown that caring for pets has a positive effect on children, improving school attendance and teaching children responsibility, as well as encouraging nurturing and building self-esteem. It was established by the Pet Care Trust, a non-profit, charitable, public foundation, “to promote public understanding of the joys and benefits of pets through education, support, and interaction.”

For more information on the Pets in the Classroom grant program or the Curriculum Contest, visit www.PetsintheClassroom.org.