Multimedia
Charlies Acres
Charlies Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary. (2024). Virtual class pets. Retrieved July 4, 2024, from https://www.charliesacres.org/classpet/
Class pets can be virtual. Charlies Acres gives classrooms the opportunity to adopt a farm animal pet, engage in video calls with the animal's caretaker and the animal, and learn about the animal that the class has adopted. Students are encouraged to consider how the animal feels, and what the animal needs.These virtual classroom pets give the students the opportunity to feel good about helping an animal in need, and supporting a good cause.
Guides
A Guide to Raising Chickens in School District Gardens
Department of the District of Columbia. (n.d). A guide to raising chickens in school district gardens. Department of Health. Retrieved July 13, 2024, from https://osse.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/osse/publication/attachments/Chicken%20Guide_0.pdf
While some of the workshops referenced are district specific, much of the information presented here is a wonderful template for starting and maintaining a Chicken Coop in a district or school garden. Breeds, coops, and landscaping are discussed, as well as student engagement and legal information.
Classroom Pets: The Humane Way
MSPCA Angell. (2024).Classroom pets: The humane way. Retrieved July 12, 2024, from https://www.mspca.org/cruelty_prevention/classroom-pets-the-humane-way-2/
Classroom pets are a commitment. Pets must be cared for, protected, and nurtured. Many teachers find keeping a classroom can be overwhelming and may not be in the best interest of the animal. However, there are many alternatives to classroom pets, such as field trips or fostering an animal that is awaiting adoption. If teachers decide a classroom pet fits their classroom, this organization discusses the responsibilites and care that must be considered.