First graders explored research, stewardship, and responsible decision-making as they selected and prepared to care for their new class pet.

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HHCA first graders launched their latest inquiry with a big question: How can we be responsible citizens by selecting a class pet, creating a proper habitat, and maintaining its needs throughout the year?

Before choosing a pet, students first defined what it means to be a responsible citizen. Their answers were thoughtful and revealing:

“Someone who takes care of things.”
“Someone you can trust.”
“Helping others and not being selfish.”

One student added, “A responsible citizen does the right thing even when no one is watching.”

From there, mentors surprised students with a field trip to Petco, where they began researching what makes a good classroom pet. Petco team members introduced several possibilities and explained the importance of proper habitat, long-term care, and daily responsibility.

Back at school, students narrowed their focus to four animals: guinea pig, snake, bearded dragon, and hamster. Through informational texts, videos, classroom discussions, and even conversations with classmates who own these pets, students compared habitat needs, food requirements, and long-term care expectations.

There were strong opinions at first (especially for the snake and bearded dragon) but something powerful happened as research deepened.

Students began shifting their thinking.

Instead of choosing based on what seemed most exciting, they evaluated what would best fit their classroom environment. Some realized certain animals required specialized lighting, larger habitats, or more complex daily care.

This was critical thinking in action. 

Each student selected a preferred pet and created an informational brochure outlining what a future owner would need to know before adoption. These brochures will even be shared with Petco customers considering a pet of their own.

After careful discussion and a class vote, the winner was clear: a hamster. Students returned to Petco to officially welcome their new furry classmate — now proudly named Cookie Dough.

It was incredible to watch their thinking evolve. At first, many students chose based on what seemed the most exciting. But as they researched habitat needs and daily care, they began asking deeper questions about what would truly work in our classroom. That shift showed real growth.

- Nadine Peters, First Grade Mentor

But the learning doesn’t end there. Students will rotate daily responsibilities including habitat helpers, supply manager, and gentle handling helper.

During Spring Break, one student will even take Cookie Dough home to continue the care.

Throughout the project, mentors connected the experience to biblical stewardship. Students discussed how animals are part of God’s creation and that stewardship means caring faithfully for what He entrusts to us.

 

Academically, the inquiry strengthened reading comprehension, informational writing, compare-and-contrast skills, speaking and listening, and respectful disagreement. More importantly, it gave students ownership.

This project wasn’t just about getting a pet. It was about learning to be faithful stewards of something God has entrusted to us. The students understood that responsibility means doing our best every day to care for the needs of our class hamster.

- Cheryl Norton, First Grade Mentor