Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just had a chance today to show my snakes to three classes of elementary kids. It was the most enjoyable time I've had yet in this hobby. The kids loved talking about snakes and then getting a chance to touch them. Funny that many of the preconceived notions about snakes (they're slimy, they all have poison, they want to get in your bed at night) are already in place at an early age, but most of the kids were just very excited to see something so different.

I think the teachers were just as curious as the kids were...

If you haven't had a chance to share your snakes with a group of kids, take the chance and do it sometime. You'll come away knowing exactly why you're a herp lover.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I did the same thing a few months ago for my sons 5th grade class , it was the most enjoyable experience I have ever had. I am not the kind of person to stand in front a group of people(even kids) and feel comfortable but I was so at ease,the kids were awesome and every kid by the end of an hour had held or at least touched one of the snakes.I Loved it and was asked to return next year. They asked so many great questions.

"they're slimy, they all have poison, they want to get in your bed at night"

Would be better applied to us men

I'm glad you had fun sharing your snakes. Thats one thing I always enjoy.

-John

Funny...it was a girl that made that comment.

You're probably right--someday she'll probably be saying that about some guy.

I guess I never realized how much we guys have in common with snakes.

LOL so now we know the truth. It isn't snakes who generated their bad reps, its you men who did. Somewhere down the line, people got men and snakes mixed up.
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PHLdyPayne

That's one of the reasons I became a science teacher! I agree, there are so many misconceptions out there, I feel it is our job as herpers to educate...who knows maybe one of these kids will be making the laws some day!
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Thanks,
Amy
www.myboids.4t.com
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1.14 Normal ball pythons
1.0 Pastel ball pythons
0.0.1 Sinaloan Milk Snake
0.0.1 Plains Garter
0.1 Normal Kenyan Sand Boa
2.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Mid-Baja Rosy Boa
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat
1.2 Dumeril's Boa
1.2 BCI
That's Just The Snakes!

We can only hope todays kids will continue to carry the herping "torch." I'm sure they will.

My wife is a science teacher as well--she teaches at a small college. It's probably the main reason why she supports my herping hobby. Everything is an opportunity to learning something new for her. Isn't that great?!

Your website is pretty cool. Quite a collection you have! How many years did it take to get to this size?

Thanks...It's been about 5 years since I started up with ball pythons. The herp hobby is one of the best things I've ever gotten involved with, and I love every minute of it.

The great thing about teaching is that the kids pick up on your interests, and learn from them. They are never bored by a snake, and let me tell you...the days I bring animals into class are the days kids(from other classes) cut class, but only to try and sneak into mine! There is something great about that (even though I have to send them back haha).
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Thanks,
Amy
www.myboids.4t.com
----
1.14 Normal ball pythons
1.0 Pastel ball pythons
0.0.1 Sinaloan Milk Snake
0.0.1 Plains Garter
0.1 Normal Kenyan Sand Boa
2.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Mid-Baja Rosy Boa
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat
1.2 Dumeril's Boa
1.2 BCI
That's Just The Snakes!

as a teacher, having our new class pet "Kaa" has been a wonderful experience!
i have always wanted a snake but i have stayed mainly with amphibians and other reptiles such as geckos, lizards, and turtles.
the class enjoys having Kaa so much and it has hieghtened their awareness that animals do get a bad rap simply out of not knowing or understanding the animal.
i have heard them say things like "the shark isnt bad, its just doing what it does" or "that would be a cool animal to see".
and mind you these are 6-7year old 1st graders!
dont even get me started on the changed behavior in adults that come in.
my class recently wrote a story that will be published into a book. its about how Kaa has a dream about africa and take s a trip there and explores! its hilarious!

long and short of it:
snake in classroom good!