A School of Fish: Get Kids Learning From and With Animals

"Animals are better than books about animals"

From the titular reference to animals, you can be forgiven if you expected this article to center on politicians, but herein I will focus on something over which you actually have control and that can make a meaningful positive difference in life: helping children learn and grow. Unfortunately, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the curricular choices, school formats, and educational approaches available today. However, one way to mitigate some of that burden is to consider and utilize the plethora of learning opportunities that already exist all around us.

One such opportunity involves the integration of animals into children’s learning environments—an approach often dismissed as tangential to core education. Yet, learning with animals—whether through the presence of pets, structured animal therapy, or farm visits—delivers benefits that extend far beyond standard academic metrics. Indeed, animals enable children to learn about life itself and the world around them in ways that no digital or print curriculum, textbook, or human teacher can duplicate.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Animals offer children a powerful way to develop emotional intelligence, an essential life skill that involves recognizing and managing emotions, building relationships, and showing empathy. By interacting with animals, children learn how to care for another living being, understand non-verbal cues, and become attuned to the needs of those around them. These interactions teach kids patience, compassion, and responsibility—qualities that help them form meaningful human connections.

For instance, a child feeding or grooming a pet learns to recognize when the animal is hungry, anxious, or content. Over time, children begin to apply these insights to human relationships, becoming more empathetic toward peers, siblings, and family members. Some studies have shown that children who engage with animals, especially as pets, demonstrate increased emotional intelligence, which can lead to healthier interpersonal relationships as they grow.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Mental Health

Incorporating animals into learning environments has proven to significantly reduce stress and anxiety in children. Kids, particularly those dealing with emotional challenges or learning difficulties, often find comfort in the presence of animals. Just petting a dog, watching fish swim, or interacting with a rabbit can release calming chemicals like oxytocin and reduce the stress hormone cortisol. This helps children feel more relaxed and secure, creating a positive mindset for learning.

For children with autism, ADHD, or anxiety, therapeutic programs with trained animals such as therapy dogs or horses (equine therapy) have shown to improve focus, self-regulation, and reduce feelings of frustration. The soothing presence of an animal can help these children feel more at ease, making it easier for them to engage in tasks and absorb information—plus, such animals can obviate the pharmacological interventions that are far too common for children today.

Heightening Cognitive Development

Animals can also enhance cognitive development in surprising ways. For young learners, animals serve as real-life examples for teaching concepts like biology, ecosystems, and responsibility. For instance, a horse or a sheep can make science lessons come alive by allowing children to observe and participate in daily care routines that can spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of living organisms and their roles in nature and human society. (Classroom pets can serve similar functions; however, if children can leave the confines of a classroom and observe animals in their environments, they will generally learn about and appreciate the animals much more as parts of the world rather than simply as objects in a classroom.)

Beyond science, learning with animals can also stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Children may become more curious and ask questions like, "Why does a turtle move slowly?" or "How does a bird fly?" These inquiries encourage critical thinking and scientific exploration, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

Boosting Communication and Social Skills

Children who are shy or struggle with social interactions can greatly benefit from working with animals. Animals provide a non-judgmental presence, allowing kids to express themselves without fear of rejection. For children with speech delays or social anxieties, talking to or about animals can be a gateway to improving language skills. Many speech therapists use animals as part of their practice because children are often more willing to communicate when they feel safe and connected with a pet or therapy animal.

Additionally, working with animals encourages teamwork. In settings where students collectively care for animals (whether in a classroom or preferably on a farm), they learn to collaborate, divide responsibilities, and solve problems together, all while building stronger communication skills.

Building a Sense of Responsibility

Moreover, caring for animals teaches children the importance of responsibility and routine. A child who is tasked with feeding, cleaning, or exercising a pet learns to prioritize and follow through on commitments. These habits, formed through regular animal care, can translate into greater responsibility in work, household chores, and personal time-management.

By understanding that their actions directly affect another living being, children develop accountability and self-discipline. This sense of ownership builds confidence and self-esteem because they recognize the positive impact they have on an animal’s well-being.

Encouraging Physical Activity

Incorporating animals into children's lives also can promote physical activity, which is crucial for healthy development. Activities like walking a dog, riding horses, or playing with an energetic pet get children moving, helping them develop motor skills and maintain physical fitness. This movement not only is beneficial for their physical health but also supports their mental well-being by releasing endorphins, improving mood, and reducing feelings of restlessness.

For children who may not enjoy traditional sports or physical education, animals offer a fun, engaging alternative to staying active. They can also motivate children to spend more time outdoors, exploring nature while caring for or observing animals in natural habitats.

Developing Lifelong Skills and Interests

Exposure to animals at a young age can inspire lifelong passions and career interests. Many veterinarians, zoologists, and animal behaviorists trace their love for animals back to childhood experiences. Furthermore, children who learn about farm animals in particular may develop a greater appreciation for animals’ role in their food supply and perhaps an increased likelihood to consume healthier, cleaner food. By fostering curiosity and respect for animals, parents and educators can help children discover new hobbies, explore fields of study, and potentially shape their future careers and health.

Conclusion

Learning with animals is far more than a novelty—it is an enriching, holistic experience that enhances a child’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. Whether through pets, therapy sessions, or hands-on learning opportunities at farms or nature centers, animals can serve as valuable companions and teachers. By integrating animals into children’s educational journeys, we can create compassionate, curious, and well-rounded individuals who are equipped not only to excel academically but also to understand and appreciate the world around them. In the burgeoning educational paradigms that value children as individuals whose learning extends beyond textbooks and adults’ lectures, the benefits of learning with animals are both timely and timeless. As educational author Clark Aldrich says, “Animals are better than books about animals.”

A few resources to get started:

-          Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms

-          Hope Farms (in Texas, but a good model for other areas)

-          Local farmers’ markets (find one near you and speak with local farmers)

-          Find a nature center