Book excerpt: Research shows that keeping animals in classrooms can have profound effects on student well-being and success in school. In this practical guide, Dr. Brady Barr offers a step-by-step process for reintroducing nature-based learning experiences into 21st century schooling. Discover how to select a classroom pet, introduce it to your students, and design carefully thought-out lessons centered around the animal. Use this resource as a comprehensive guide toward the reintroduction of nature into the classroom: Become familiar with the numerous benefits that having animals and class pets in the classroom provides. Study the various obstacles that might prevent educators from keeping animals in their classroom and learn how to overcome those obstacles to achieve hands-on learning. Discover a step-by-step process for bringing animals into the classroom in a way that enriches students' lives through experiential learning. Learn the biology and life sciences of certain classroom pets, pertinent state laws regarding the use of classroom pets, and the process of keeping and caring for the animal. Contents: Acknowledgments Table of Contents About the Author Introduction Chapter 1: The Need for and Benefits of Animals in the Classroom Chapter 2: Hurdles to Animals in the Classroom Chapter 3: How to Select the Perfect Animal Chapter 4: How to Locate Animals Chapter 5: How to Write Lesson Plans Epilogue Appendix A: Tips Appendix B: How to Create Self-Sustaining Food Sources for Your Classroom Animal References and Resources Index