Looking after a Pet

This activity can be done a week at a time for different pets, or you may like to adjust it to look at just some of the issues over a day. We decided to different pets on different weeks. Suitable animals include dogs, cats, birds, goldfish (my favourite for management 8^)) chickens, etc. I drew the line at mice, as my phobias got in the way of educational soundness. My friend Bruno, who has a dairy farm, would have loaned me a calf, but it wouldn't fit in the back seat of my car. Oh well.....it's the thought that counts.

Shopping

Money - The students work out what sort of food the particular pet likes. Depending on student ability, you can estimate how much food the pet will eat during its time with the class. The students could then use brochures and newspaper ads to find the price of the food and calculate how much money they will need.

Orientation/Mapping - In the grocery store, an orientation activity might be finding the particular section for pet food and pet care, looking at the different items in it (food, grooming equipment, toys etc) and where it is in relation to the other sections in the store. When you think about it, class shopping trips don't often take any notice of this area.

rainbow snake

Social Studies/Science

Comparisons - Create a chart to compare different animals. Look at body parts, what sort of food they eat, where they sleep, how large/small they are etc so that at the end of the theme you can compare different animals.

Needs - Examine each pet as to food and water, exercise, grooming, attention, housing, special care (e.g. budgies need covers over their cages etc) and meet those needs while the animal is in your care. (This is where you pick your animals with care). This may involve going for walks, cleaning budgie cages, brushing fur, checking water supply etc. Compare those needs to our own - how do we exercies, groom, eat etc.?

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