CHAH should encourage more class pets

I believe that CHAH as a school should encourage more class pets in classrooms. Class pets  can teach students about responsibility over living organisms and encourage them to behave better (for example, not running around in the classroom), and maybe even improve their attendance.

For one, having a class pet can encourage better behavior. Students who behave badly, come to school late, or are just feeling down can be heavily affected by this. Some animals, like rabbits, can get startled by students screaming and acting up, or running around the classroom and throwing things. Class pets can encourage students to, well, not do those things. 

Additionally, class pets can help students improve their attendance.  Who wouldn’t want to arrive on time to see their favorite pet? According to Western Governors University, “The classroom experience overall is enhanced with a class pet. Students learn a sense of awareness when they are able to interact with animals regularly. It gives them something exciting to expect every day in their classroom.”

Class pets can also put a smile on students who feel down, or frustrated. Even if it’s just a fish, knowing that there’s another organism with feelings that you are taking care of, can put a smile on your face. 

Class pets can also help with mental health, just like actual pets. According to Edutopia, “Students can also make connections between their needs and the animal’s, such as physical and emotional needs. At times, our bearded dragon can get nervous when a student he doesn’t know picks him up. With patience and practice, he becomes comfortable being handled and petted.”

Class pets teach students about the importance of empathy in social situations. A class pet is almost like a friend. And if your friend is feeling down, wouldn’t you try to help them? Even animals like rabbits are very delicate, and could be scared at first. But students can tell the rabbit “I’m your friend”, just by interacting with it, sitting near it, taking care of it, ect. Pets are better at improving mental health than you may think. Community Health Academy of the Heights should encourage them.

This may seem like a surprise, but class pets can actually improve academic performance in CHAH students. According to ASPCA Pet Health insurance, “incorporating pets into the learning process transforms it into an engaging journey. The novelty and excitement of having pets in the classroom significantly increases student motivation and engagement, making the learning experience more enjoyable.”

It’s true that learning can sometimes feel like a chore. And one of the goals  for a school like CHAH should be to make learning fun. How do we make learning fun? By making it easier, and less stressful. Pets can be great for classes, especially classes like science, health, and biology. Even history/social studies, math and ELA. You name it. Pets can even make test-taking less stressful. During breaks, you can observe the pet’s movements, and how it interacts with its environment. 

Maybe next year, CHAH can use the budget to buy animals that fit different classes. However, there needs to be a confirmation that CHAH students aren’t allergic to certain pets. Classes need pets that everyone is happy with. Like a gecko, or a frog, or a hedgehog, anything.

All in all, class pets should be encouraged by CHAH, and they can help the school advance in many ways. What kind of class pet would you want?