THE power of pets has been used in the classroom at a Bahrain school in a special science lesson giving pupils the opportunity to share their love and respect of animals.
Kittens, rabbits, birds, fish and turtles were part of ‘show-and-tell’ interactive experience for Grade Three students within efforts to provide children with an interactive experience.
The move was the brainchild of primary school teacher Dana Ebrahim who told the GDN that the lesson – at Al Wadi Primary School for Boys – aimed also to educate children on the values of kindness in Islam, in addition to the scientific elements highlighting the animals’ living environment, feeding and care.
“The aim of introducing pets in the classroom was to link the lesson to kindness to animals as part of Islamic education while also as a science lesson,” Ms Ebrahim told the GDN.
“This initiative is in line with the Education Ministry’s vision to nurture a qualitative development in the education system.
“The idea was implemented following encouragement from the school’s administration to motivate students to be committed, take responsibility of pets as well as a qualitative shift in self-confidence.
“The initiative had a wonderful impact on the children as they welcomed the idea, showed great interaction and proudly shared stories about their pets.”
Arrangements were made with the parents to co-ordinate transporting the pets to school while implementing all the necessary security and safety measures, the teacher added.
“The initiative achieved the desired goal of effectively accomplishing a leap in self-confidence, leadership skills, commitment, behaviour development and an increased motivation to learn in the children,” added Ms Ebrahim.
“It also strengthened the children’s relationship with the educational staff and their colleagues, as well as their respect for the school and its systems. There are plans to repeat the initiative in other academic years.”
The children also expressed pride in their pets and their ability to take responsibility of them.
Leading child psychologist Dr Mariam Al Ammadi praised the initiative and believes that positive dealings children have with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others.
“A good relationship with a pet can also help in developing non-verbal communication, compassion and empathy,” she told the GDN.
“Generally dogs and cats are deemed to be the best providers of social support and this could perhaps be due to a higher level of interaction and reciprocation in comparison to other pets.
“I believe the introduction of pets into schools is a wonderful concept, especially for the Grade Three age range who are developing socially and learning independent behaviour.
“A pet can help raise children’s emotional intelligence by teaching them compassion, empathy, how to read facial expressions and model how they self-regulate and calm down.
“Pets can also be beneficial for children with sensory, social or behavioural issues as a link exists between pet ownership and anxiety reduction.”
Dr Al Ammadi also added that pets help develop responsible behaviour in the children who care for them, as well as the necessity of following instructions while providing a connection and understanding of nature.
Immunity
She also said that other physical and emotional needs are often fulfilled by pet ownership include physical activity, comforting contact and increased immunity, while the unconditional love displayed by many pets helps children gain self-confidence and self-esteem.
“This is a great initiative as it creates an interactive fun lesson which is also educational at the same time,” said one impressed parent.
“For children to bring in the vaccination records of their pets and explain the details is also a way to teach children that pets are living creatures that require care, responsibility and compassion.
“We hope that these creative lessons are implemented across other schools because they teach our children lessons that can’t be found in books.”
reem@gdn.com.bh
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