Mr. Matt Hague sits down to share how Simba the chinchilla is more than just the “teacher’s pet.” He is a teaching aid in the Natural Resources School of Study.
Q: Why did you decide to introduce Simba to the classroom?
A: With several other teachers having them in the classroom, that gave me the idea of having a pet in my room, as well. Especially being part of the Natural Resources school, it’s a natural fit. Plus, there are positive influences that having a pet in the room provide. I have found it to be a motivation for students to get their work done. It also has led to interactions and conversations with the students that I don’t feel would have happened otherwise.
Q: How has he enriched the learning environment?
A: I have found it to be a motivation for students to get their work done. It also has led to interactions and conversations with the students that I don’t feel would have happened otherwise. Students will ask to hold him, and I will ask them to get their work done first–which for some students has a big impact–where normally they wouldn’t.
Q: How do your students engage with Simba?
A: They are allowed to take him out of his apartment and pet him. Some students take him for a walk around the halls before first period. I also let him run around the classroom and terrorize the students!
Q: Do you have a favorite memory of Simba?
A: Jumping into a student’s lap or up on top of the desk makes me laugh, as he normally really scares and makes the student jump. I find it interesting how he eats. He uses his hands to hold the food. If he is eating hay, he will bite it in two and chew from both pieces. He looks like a double-fisted eater!
Q: Does Simba do any tricks? If so, what does he do?
A: He will jump up high against a wall and then spring off it. He also is very fast and hard to catch without his leash.
Q: How long have you had your chinchilla?
A: I have had him for 2 years, and he is 3.5 years old. They live to be around 10 years old.
Q: Does Simba have a favorite thing to do or a favorite snack?
A: He loves to take dust baths. He quickly hops into the container with the volcanic dust, spins around really fast, and rolls in it for several minutes. It helps his coat stay very soft. He likes hay and alfalfa chips for a snack.
Q: Would you recommend other teachers introduce a class pet? Why or why not?
A: If a teacher is willing to maintain the pet’s cage, then I would recommend a pet for his or her room. It has given students something positive to look forward to every day. I have students stop by just to see Simba, and they always mention how it brightens their day. It helps students engage with me who normally might not. I had several students who were very quiet, reserved, or even shy in class come talk to me and ask questions about Simba. He has even introduced students to other animals in the world as chinchillas come from Chile. So, that lends to discussions about different countries and their culture, along with the environment.
