Should Pets Be in Classrooms?

Georgia
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Opinion Task
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Should Pets Be in Classrooms?
Some classrooms have pets. Dogs, cats, bunnies, and even mice are
popular classroom pets. Some people like the idea of classroom pets.
Other people don’t like the idea at all. Do you think classrooms should
have pets? Listen and follow along with the article below as you think
about classroom pets. This article is in two parts. The first part talks
about why there should be classroom pets. The second part talks about
why classroom pets might be a bad idea.
Reasons for Having Pets in Classrooms
Pets Make Learning Better
Pets are great helpers for learning. For example,
students can study science. They can learn about
animals’ needs and habitats. Animals can also become
characters in stories or artwork. Students could even
write a poem about an animal. For some students,
petting a soft animal may help them calm down so
they can learn. Pets definitely make learning better.
Pets are Fun
Pets make everything more fun. If a student feels upset or gloomy, a
pet can really brighten up the day. When the class needs a break, the
pet will love all the attention. Animals are fun to be around. Some kids
might not have a pet, so a class pet would be great for them.
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Reasons Pets Should Not Be in Classrooms
Pets Need Attention
Pets need a lot of attention in order to be healthy. They need to be
fed. Their cages need to be cleaned. Some pets need to be walked and
taken outside. On the weekend, someone needs to care for them. All
this attention would be better spent on learning.
Pets Need Privacy
Pets need to have time to themselves. A classroom of 15 or 20
students is loud. What if the class pet needs to
rest? All of those students may want to handle
the pet. That could be too much for almost any
animal. Pets are like people. Sometimes, they
need to be alone.
Some people think pets should be a part of classrooms. Others don’t.
What do you think? Should classrooms have pets?
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GRADE 1 OPINION TASK
SHOULD PETS BE IN CLASSROOMS?
Directions
Listen carefully and follow along to the article Should Pets Be in
Classrooms?
When the article is finished, answer the questions that follow as
they are read aloud.
Then, write your opinion about whether there should be pets in
classrooms.
Part 1: Questions
1. According to the article, what is one reason for having pets in
classrooms?
A. Pets are cute.
B. Pets need to be alone sometimes.
C. Pets can help make learning better.
D. Pets cost a lot of money.
2. According to the article, what is one reason pets should not be in
classrooms?
A. Pets are cute.
B. Pets need to be alone sometimes.
C. Pets can help make learning better.
D. Pets cost a lot of money.
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Part 2: Writing Prompt
You just read an article about pets in classrooms. Do you think pets
should or should not be in classrooms? Write to share your opinion
about whether pets should or should not be in classrooms. Be sure to
include details from the article to support your opinion.
Remember, good opinion writing:
Includes your opinion;
Includes a reason to support your opinion; and
Has an ending.
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LLC