Classroom “Pets”

Betta fish
Science

These Comments About Betta Fish in the Classroom Show Why They Should Never Be Used as Class ‘Pets’

Betta fish are sensitive, complex beings—not teaching tools or classroom props.

"Humane Education Resources for Students with Special Needs"

5 Humane Education Resources for Students With Special Needs

Show your students that all animals deserve compassion with these resources that are ideal for learners who need special education.

Goldfish
Science

One Fish, Two Fish, Bottle Fish?!

Check out these animal-friendly ecosystem projects!

Kind kid, Brynley, plays with a pig at Peacefield Sanctuary
Social-emotional learning

How to Teach About Animals and Responsibility Without Class ‘Pets’

There are so many ways to teach students about responsibility and animal care WITHOUT keeping live animals in your classroom. Check out the alternatives!

pothos plant

A Step-By-Step Guide to Introducing a Class Plant

Many teachers think about class “pets” as a way to teach students about responsibility and caring for others, but a …

Baby chicks with green background
Science

Considering Doing a Chick-Hatching Project? Please Don’t.

What are chick-hatching projects? School chick-hatching projects, ostensibly designed to teach students about life cycles, involve placing fertilized chicken eggs …

Students and a teacher stand together, giving a thumbs up in front of a chalkboard
English Language ArtsGrades 9-12

Empowering Education: Free Resources for Teachers

How TeachKind Supports Teachers and Schools with Free Humane Education Resources TeachKind has former classroom teachers on staff and experts …

sad rabbit in a cage
Grades PreK-2

What’s the Problem With Classroom ‘Pets’?

Thinking about getting a classroom “pet”? Think again. Find out why the classroom is NOT a good place for animals.