Class Pets Stimulate Learning At Hampton Bays Elementary School

With the assistance of a grant, a gecko named Phineas, a tree frog named Ferb, two fire-bellied toads named Hansel and Gretel, and an agama named Leonardo are helping first-graders at Hampton Bays Elementary School with their studies.

The teachers have been using the new classroom pets to stimulate learning by weaving them into math, geography and grammar lessons. They plan to have their students create special presentations about the animals, which they will share with other classrooms.

“These pets provide enjoyment for my students, as well as learning opportunities,” said first-grade teacher Jonathan DellaSperanza.

The pets were made possible through a Pets in the Classroom grant, which is sponsored by Petco and the Pet Care Trust. All first-grade teachers applied for the grant over the summer and all were chosen to receive a classroom pet.