One thing I have done in the past is start off with an introduction and some quick rules. This tends to get some attention to the kids.

"Remember today that once you have touched reptiles we have a strict rule. Don't stick your fingers in your eyes, ears, mouth and most important no nose picking. If you are afraid of the animals here today feel free to sit in the back. If you scream and I jump, I scare the animal and I might get bit. If I the snake bites me, I get to bite you. Everyone who wants a chance to pet or hold some of the animals will have a chance." This has always gotten everyone's attention and I have never had a child mis-behave. Another thing that has worked well in the past is having a few "assistants". 2-3 who earned the privilege to help. Usually it is a child in the class the teacher invited me from. I tend to schedule an entire day where I incorporate all classes. But I always have a child or three to help herd the others in, hold a ball python and show it around, corral my sulcatta. It isnt a big need, but it does help and kids learned that once they got the chance to help, others want the chance and they tend to behave a LOT better.

Then I tend to go into the schpeil about the rescue (which is why I am there in the first place) Its very hard to work in a great amount of info. I go into who lays eggs and who is live bearing. Show differences between boa and python, talk about endangered species. But I tend to spend no more than 5 mins per animal for smaller children. With an average 30 mins per group, I get through probably 5 animals with questions allowed during each animal.

I also offer activity/coloring books with a little info about my rescue in the back for the kids to take home. Shameless self promotion.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

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