Pets, Pets

Noticing how interested our friends are in animals, we decided to extend the unit and talk about PETS. Torah teaches us that our pets are our responsibility. It says that before one eats, one should feed one's animals. We found out that some of our friends have pets at home.
Ariella brought her pets - Hermit Crabs and she told us all about them. First thing we learned that crabs sometimes bite. When it happens to Ariella she just put a bitten finger under cold water. We noticed a lot of shells inside of the tank although there were only two Hermit Crabs. Ariella explained that as crabs grow and their shells become small, they change them for bigger ones. When friends asked about crabs diet, Ariella showed everyone the book that tells everything about crabs and what they eat. We were surprised to find out that crabs love fruits- apples and oranges. Friends were more than happy to share their apples and oranges with Hermits.  From the book we learned that crabs hatch from the eggs like the snails, but unlike the snails Hermit Crabs don't have own shells. They find empty sea snail shells and make them into houses. Observing crabs we noticed that they have tiny eyes and antennas. Friends noticed that there are two drinking dishes with little sponges inside of the crabs tank. Ariella explained that one is with fresh water, other with salt water. Sponges are for the crabs to climb up if they get too deep in the water. As we learned hermit crabs can't breath in the water. Ariella said that to take good care of the hermits, she and family clean their tank by changing sand and washing water dishes. They put fresh food and change water. WOW! Ariella and her family take a very good care of their pets.

Next day we had a new visitor. Alisa and her mom brought their pet- a cocker spaniel Freddy. Alisa shared with her friends that Freddy is 15 years old. He is old, but very smart. Freddy won different awards and medals for being the best.  Freddy's favorite toys are Alisa's shoes. He likes them so much that he takes them into his bed. Freddy loves to swim. Alisa mom told us that Freddy's long fluffy ears would protect ears from getting water in. We also learned that Alisa's dad is taking care of Freddy's teeth brushing them every other day. When Alisa was a baby Freddy would guard her crib.
Friends were curious what Freddy likes to eat. Alisa told us that his favorite food is meat and green pepper. Rachel said that she likes green pepper very much as well.
Alisa's family makes sure that Freddy gets yummy and healthy food, a walk outside and a bath. They love Freddy very very much.

Morah Miriam broung in her dog Puggy. Morah Miriam told the friends that Puggy and she are really good friends who are taking care of each other. One time when Puggy was a little puppy, Morah Miriam took her outside for a walk. Suddenly it strated raining. Morah Miriam took little Puggy and hide her in Morah's coat. When they come home, Morah Miriam gave Puggy nice warm bath, wrapped her in a warm soft towel and let her sleep in Morah's bed. Morah Miriam took care of her friend. Not long time ago, Morah Miriam got sick. Puggy was very worried about her. She climbed Morah's bed and layed near, she would bring her favorite toys, lick Morah Miriam's face to make her feel better. Morah Miriam loves her friend with all her heart. She makes sure that Puggy gets healthy food, comes to play with her dog friends.  Some friends asked Morah why Puggy is on the leash.  Morah asked what friends think about this matter. Avi said that the leash keep Puggy out of a road where she can be hit by a car. Other friends suggested that the leash keeps Puggy close to the owner, and she would not get lost. We discussed how dogs show their emotions comparing to us. When we are happy we smile, when dogs happy they wag their tails. When they sad or scared, dogs hide their tail between hind legs. Puggy looked happy. When she saw us she was wagging her tail happily. We wish she could stay longer.

Did you know that frogs can be pets as well? Nursery class pet is a fire belly frog. Friends were curious why does a frog has such name. Morah Sara(Nursery morah) asked friends to look at the frog's belly and see what color it is. It was Red like a fire.
Morah Sara shared with friends that her class made a special house for the frog. They put peddels on the bottom of the tank, then they added soil, and put a little pool with rocks in the middle. They even planted some plants to make it very cozy. When house was ready, they went to the Petland Store and bought a pet- Firebelly Frog.
Friends asked Morah what her class feed the frog with. Morah Sara said that favorite frog's food is crickets. Morah's Sara class take a good care of their pet.
Listening to our guests we learned that when you have a pet, you are responsible for taking care of your animal friend. Feed it and take care of it before youself as Torah says.