The Montessori philosophy uses classroom pets to connect students to the natural world and creates interconnections with all living things. The philosophy involves teaching empathy, compassion, practical life skills, observation, and curiosity. There are many ways in which a pet in the classroom fosters these teachings.
The children’s practical life skills shine when it comes to taking care of our classroom pet Fonzie. She is a guinea pig who has been a member of our community since the fall of 2021. The children are the first to notice if she needs food, water, or fresh vegetables. A work was created for the children to scoop pellets into a bowl with a little wooden scoop. It takes focus, eye-hand coordination, and the ability to sweep up what falls to the floor. There are always eager hands reaching for the water bottle when it's empty with the hope of being able to fill it at the sink. A favorite activity is walking to the kitchen and finding cucumbers, carrots, and other leftover vegetables from lunch to bring to the classroom to chop and peel for our sweet pig. The kitchen classroom Elementary students love to bring veggie scraps after all their hard work prepping lunch for the school. Fonzie squeals in delight whenever the children approach her cage eager for a snack.
Empathy and compassion are continually practiced, when we use gentle hands to pet Fonzie. We make slow, small movements as we bring our hands to her head for a pet after observing fast moments scare her. We keep our voices soft so she is calm and receptive to our affection. The children’s self-regulation is strengthened with each interaction.
A classroom pet can be various animals, including fish, pocket pets such as hamsters, and even caterpillars that transform into butterflies. The living creature will illicit curiosity, through observation as the pet follows their instincts and antics. Fonzie is a constant source of entertainment by simply moving about the cage.
Fonzi is a respected member of our community. She is included in our class roster, and to the children’s delight, we sing her name in our greeting song during group. She is extremely loved.