Critters in the classroom
Animals provide learning experiences for Father Marquette Catholic Academy students
Father Marquette Catholic Academy students Moses Pemble, Norah Gregorich, Jillian Boburka and Kyla Loewen look at a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers!” in the class of Mrs. Sharon Parsons, a 3rd-grade teacher at the school. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Moses Pemble and Norah Gregorich admire a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers! (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Father Marquette Catholic Academy students Ari Speagle and Matthew McKnight hold a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers!" (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Father Marquette Catholic Academy student Ryan Henning holds a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers! in Mrs. Sharon Parsons’ classroom. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
A 20-gallon fish tank in Mrs. Sharon Parsons’ classroom is shown. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Enclosures for the classroom animals are shown. (Photos courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Father Marquette Catholic Academy students Moses Pemble, Norah Gregorich, Jillian Boburka and Kyla Loewen look at a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers!” in the class of Mrs. Sharon Parsons, a 3rd-grade teacher at the school. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Moses Pemble and Norah Gregorich admire a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers! (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Father Marquette Catholic Academy students Ari Speagle and Matthew McKnight hold a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers!" (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Father Marquette Catholic Academy student Ryan Henning holds a winter white dwarf hamster that the class named “Squeakers! in Mrs. Sharon Parsons’ classroom. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
A 20-gallon fish tank in Mrs. Sharon Parsons’ classroom is shown. (Photo courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Enclosures for the classroom animals are shown. (Photos courtesy of Father Marquette Catholic Academy)
Trending
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!"