MARQUETTE — Teachers use all kinds of tools and experiences to help their students learn.

This year, Mrs. Sharon Parsons, the 3rd-grade teacher at Father Marquette Catholic Academy, has chosen to bring fun new live additions into her class.

“Bringing animals into the classroom is a wonderful resource to make learning meaningful and fun in all subjects,” Parsons said. ” It gives students opportunities to find the magic, wonder, and discovery in learning. Classroom animals help students engage more with their subject matter and help them take ownership of their learning.

“These animals will help instill a sense of responsibility and respect for life, bring increased sensitivity and awareness of the feelings and needs of others–both animals and humans, and help students be able to see directly how their behavior and actions affect others.

“They also help students develop ownership and care-taking skills, help reduce stress and anxiety, encourage nurturing, increase morale, and enrich students’ entire classroom experience!”

Parsons won the State Farm Teacher Assist grant last spring, one of 40 teachers in all of Michigan, to be able to bring in these new friends for her students. She added a 20-gallon fish tank, with seven fun neons, and a winter white dwarf hamster that the class voted on and named “Squeakers!”