Nurturing A Love For Animals

At P.S. 319K, we incorporate animals into our educational environments because they have proven to be a positive effect on students' well-being, engagement, and academic performance. Here’s a look at the key benefits:

 

1. Emotional and Mental Health Support
Having animals in schools can help reduce student anxiety and stress. Interacting with pets or even simply observing animals has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and increase feelings of calm. This creates a more relaxed and supportive learning environment where students feel emotionally safe.

 

2. Increased Empathy and Responsibility
Caring for animals fosters a sense of responsibility. Students learn the importance of feeding, cleaning, and attending to the needs of another living being, which builds empathy and helps develop critical life skills. This can also strengthen their sense of connection to the school community, as they take on the role of caretakers.

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3. Enhanced Focus and Academic Engagement
Animals can act as motivators, helping students stay focused and engaged in their studies. Studies have shown that students who interact with animals demonstrate better attention spans and improved academic performance. The presence of animals also encourages students to be more active participants in classroom discussions and activities.

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4. Improved Social Skills
Animals can act as social catalysts. Students who might be shy or have difficulty interacting with peers often find it easier to engage when they share a common interest in caring for an animal. This can help foster better communication, teamwork, and social cohesion among students.

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5. Encourages Creativity and Exploration
The presence of animals in the classroom encourages curiosity and creativity. Students often ask questions about the animals’ behaviors, habitats, and needs, sparking interest in science and biology. This hands-on learning approach makes abstract concepts more relatable and engaging.

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Check out some of our school's animals!