Taking care of animals is a way for children to learn how to take care of themselves. Animals are also learning objects which makes them perfect for the Montessori classroom. They can learn life skills, how to communicate and understand speech, and become more independent.
Pets and animals also support the development of sensory awareness, physical coordination, and motor skills. This is a vital part of Montessori education. The child learns to care for something else, taking self-control and coordination. It takes a lot of work to keep up with a pet or animal. Animals also push children to learn responsibility and respect.
The following resources will give you ideas on ways to care for animals in the classroom Montessori way.
Factors To Be Considered In The Decision to Include Pets
These are some things that need to be considered before deciding to have a pet in your child’s Montessori classroom.
1. Consider Pets
If you consider having a pet in your classroom or home environment, knowing what type of pet will be best for the learning environment is essential. Know that dogs have a natural prey drive and may be challenging for some children. Cats are easier to train but still require a leash and will not be good in a high-traffic area. Think of what your child can handle, and make sure you have a plan for the pet’s care.
2. Health Concerns
The next thing to consider is the health concerns about animals and how these will impact the children in your classroom and their home environment. Pets will be exposed to bacteria and viruses, so your child’s health needs to be healthy themselves. Speak with your child’s doctor before deciding on a dog or cat, and make sure you have a plan for the animal’s care. Ask the doctor about vaccinations and if there are non-pet food alternatives to avoid potential allergic reactions.
3. Safety Concerns
Pets can be very dangerous. Make sure your child is aware of safety precautions and how to keep the animal safe. It’s also vital that your child knows what type of pet they want. Know that there will be a certain amount of cleanup, and it’s best to keep the children involved in caring for the pet.
4. Expectations
Make sure you set out an expectation for your classroom and the children. Pets will be a big responsibility, but they are important in early learning. Ensure the child is ready to take care of the pet at home and in the classroom.
5. Pet Behavior
Before bringing one into your classroom, you need to know how adult pets behave. If you have young children choosing a smaller animal might be best or one that stays on a leash with proper training. It is best to leash dogs and keep cats inside.
6. Pet Training
Teaching kids how to take care of a pet is a key part of being in charge and taking responsibility for something that is yours. You need to teach them right from wrong when interacting with the animal. It’s essential to have child-friendly ways of training your pet. If they are tied up or leashed, they will learn discipline and socialization. Teach them a bite inhibition command like “down.”
Caring For Pets and Animals Supports Montessori Learning in Eight Different Ways
Pets are a big part of Montessori education. This is another reason why the classroom environment should have some pets. Have your child help care for the animals, and make sure your children understand the responsibilities of caring for a pet. The following resources will give you ideas on caring for animals and pets in an appropriate environment for Montessori children.
1. Children Learn Responsibility
Children need to take responsibility for their things because they were raised. In addition to this, children can benefit from learning how to care for a pet. They are starting to learn gentle and respectful care. They can learn how to feed the animal, play, and discipline a pet by saying no and walking away. They know that it is okay to say no to the creature and learn the consequences of doing bad things.
2. Sensory Awareness
Pets are great for sensory awareness. Some children may be sensitive, but others may be more tactile learners. This is a good way to positively explore their sense of touch instead of being destructive or bad. Animals move differently from people, have different textures, and feel different when you touch them. It is essential to expose the children to their senses and let them explore them.
3. Physical Coordination
Pets are an excellent way for kids to use their physical coordination positively that is nurturing instead of destructive. It is a great way to learn how to take care of an animal and be kind to it. They need to know simple commands like “sit” or “stay,” or they will not be able to have the pets in the classroom setting. They can learn how to pick up the animal without hurting it and learn the appropriate ways in line with Montessori education.
4. Imagination Development
Pets allow children to use their imaginations. They can see how the animal acts, what it does when it walks, and how it interacts with them. The pet can be a great asset for helping the child develop their imagination. They can make up stories about what is going on in the animal’s minds or take pictures and tell stories about them later on. Also, it is an excellent way for them to learn about the world around them and their environment.
5. Risk Management
Children need to learn how to handle risk. They are learning how to take responsibility for something and make decisions with the best interest of everyone in mind. Pets in the classroom allow children to be responsible for themselves and their safety. Also, this teaches them how to interact with animals without being aggressive or harmful. It teaches them that there is more to a pet than just food and protection from other animals.
6. Verbal Discourse
Pets are an excellent way to teach kids how to use verbal discourse without looking like they just learned how to speak English from a baby talk book of talking animals. They know how they can ask questions, listen and use appropriate responses, and give clear directions versus needing to ask twice before getting what they want or need. This is all a use of the language in a positive environment. They are not learning to speak like they are petting the animal. They are improving their verbal skills in a fun and rewarding way.
7. Social Discourse
Pets are an excellent way for kids to use social discourse. They can learn to express themselves positively through their actions, expressions, and words. Pets allow children to be more engaged in a social lesson because they are not involved with anything harmful like the animals would be if kept in the wild. This is an excellent way for them to learn the appropriate course of interacting with other people and understanding what others want, need, and feel. It teaches them empathy and understanding of other people’s emotions, desires, wishes, and thoughts.
8. Contextual Judgement
This is a way that children can learn how to make judgments regarding ideas and concepts. They will help them make logical judgments about things that do not present themselves in the classroom setting. They are learning about the environment in which they live and what is appropriate or not by taking care of an animal that does not have indoor living. This can be a great way to help them understand the differences between their classroom environment and everyday life.
Final Thought
Have you ever wondered if pets can be incorporated into an educational setting? Is there a place for pets in your classroom or home? Are you troubled with children interacting with pets in their classroom and home environment? No worries! Montessori Academy has a solution for you.
The Montessori method is an excellent way to help children improve their self-control, social and emotional skills, and academic performance. The care of pets is a great way for children to learn how to be gentle with animals. For children to develop good social skills and emotional intelligence, they should spend time with animals. It is a great way for them to learn about the environment in which they live and what is appropriate or not.
We believe that pets can benefit you and your classroom or home. You can use the strategies we have provided to make your classroom or home a safe place and a fun and engaging environment. We also believe that it is important for children to connect emotionally with their pets to be motivated to do the right thing when interacting with other people.
For more information on integrating pets into your classroom or home, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to be of service.
