Theo Goes to School

Foster bunny, Theo sometimes goes with me to school to visit the students. I take Theo to accomplish a few things.  First, it gives the kids a chance to learn about bunnies and what it requires to take care of one.
Usually, after a day at school the kids see that keeping him happy, feed and with plenty of water is more work than they thought.  Plus, by the end of the day when the litter box isn't as clean as it was at the start of the day, they decide bunnies are a lot of work.  I want my students to know that bunnies are not just cute animals that you can stick in a cage and play with whenever you want.  They require time, money and effort.  Bunnies are a 10 year commitment where you must be willing to care, love and financially support them.

The second reason I take Theo to school is for his benefit.  Theodore loves being the center of attention and having my students observe him is heaven to the little guy.  He enjoys watching them and what they are doing as much as they like watching him.  The first time I took him, I allowed the kids to sit around the carpet while Theo hopped around.  When it was time to put him up so the kids could go to lunch, he was very mad at me.  He stared at me all through lunch and even gave me the butt a few times.  He LOVED having 20 sets of eyes watching him.  

Below are some pictures of his first day at school.  He joined me in November 2013 for about half the day then Damon picked him up after lunch and took him home.

Using a playpen, I create a small area for him with a litter box, hidey box and of course he brings his Batman with him.  We call this area, "Theo's Desk".  He did jump on his box a lot to get a better view of the kids.

       

These were taken during Daily 5 time where students are able to independently write, read or work with words.  This students quietly sat near Theo and wrote about what he observed.  Translation for the above writing- "Theo likes grass and water. And he has brown fur."

This is Theo when I first put him in the middle of the carpet.  He looked around at the kids before hopping out of the litter box to explore them.

Theo had to sniff the kids before he began hopping around and having fun.  If he could talk, I really think he would tell everyone that this was his favorite part of the day.

Once the weather warms up and spring begins to arrive, I plan to bring Theo to school again.  Be on the look out for more stories as Theo continues to go to school.