Elementary Students Experience Agriculture Classroom Up Close
Once a week, students from MJT and GES take a trip to visit with lizards, water dragons, parrots, snakes, turtles, and more! The animals are residents of the Granville Junior/Senior High School's agriculture classroom led by Agriculture Teacher Mrs. Cahan.
"We started this collaboration between the elementary schools and the agriculture class by going there once a week with one or two of the animals. And then we realized they could learn about all of our animals if they visited us," said Mrs. Cahan.
Mrs. Picards's first graders recently got their turn. Before they saw the animals, Mrs. Cahan reviewed the classroom rules, which included no running, no touching anything without permission, and always sanitizing hands after touching animals.
"Everything is touchable, but there are rules so everyone stays safe," Mrs. Cahan said.
The students in Mrs. Cahan's class then took the lead for the rest of the visit.
"Besides caring for and studying animals, there is a focus on public speaking. All of my students have learned to speak in front of groups, and have gotten very comfortable with it," said Mrs. Cahan.
The high school students took each group of first graders to different classroom areas and gave them facts about each species' habitats, diets, and needs.
"I like little kids' questions," said senior Jenna Newman, "Sometimes they ask things you have never thought about or don't know the answer to, but it makes you think a little more."
During the visit, the young students helped feed Bruce, an 80-pound giant tortoise! They fed him lettuce but learned that collard greens were best for him.
"I thought the tortoise was cute," said Aidan, "I liked feeding him and watching him walk."
Students also held snakes and mice and scratched Bruce's shell!
"They are so fascinated with everything here. Everything is so new and exciting, so it’s fun to teach them," said senior Hannah Splittgerber.
Before they left, the first graders gave the experience in the ag classroom a thumbs up!
"Most of our students have never seen these animals before. They are excited to go home and tell their families about it. Some of them have come and talked to me about it. It has sparked a lot of interest in being one of these students someday," said MJT Principal Taylor.
Mrs. Cahan would love to see the elementary school students join her class in the future.
"I hope that some of the MJT students will want to come back when they are in high school. Taking care of animals is a life skill. It teaches responsibility and caring for something other than yourself, which are invaluable lessons," said Mrs. Cahan.
