Snakes In A Classroom?

SHARE THIS STORY:

Snakes on a plane? No way! Snakes in a classroom? YES!!

I have a snake in my 7th grade science classroom. His name is Sssteve and he is a ball python. The kids LOVE him! I was able to get him through the Pets in the Classroom Grant that is offered to teachers every year (https://www.petsintheclassroom.org/) (I’m not promoting it, just sharing the info….wait, is that the same thing?? Ok, well, no one told me to promote it and no is endorsing Sssteve for this post!)

I have always loved reptiles but my family does not so I was never “allowed” to have one at home. Apparently my family prefers fluff and fur to scales. I was offered a position in the science classroom, and one of my first thoughts was, “Yes! I can finally get a reptile!” After some research, and realizing that I was not going to be able to bring this creature home on the weekends or long breaks, I figured I should choose something that requires a little less attention and care. Ball pythons are actually very boring as pets go, but he fits my needs just fine.

My district holds a  Meet The Teacher Night the week before school starts. It’s a great way to meet families and see who your supportive parents are. Families were invited to wander around my room and explore as they filled out the necessary yearly forms, asked questions, introduced themselves, etc. It did not take long at all for people to realize I had “something” in a tank on my counter. Students who asked were told they could meet Sssteve during the first week of school. Most parents shied away and gave me funny looks. 

Let me tell you how well this snake helps kids. We hear stories of schools using therapy dogs to calm kids down, many hospitals have therapy animal programs, and airlines now allow therapy animals to fly with their companion human. Ever heard of a therapy snake?? Nope, I haven’t either. Well, I’m about to get Sssteve a little therapy animal vest (sleeve?) because he is awesome with kids! I have a 7th grader who is never (ever!!) in his seat, constantly bothering people, can’t have a conversation with an adult that lasts longer than 45 seconds…however, he loves to hold Sssteve, and he immediately calms down. He is still, he is quiet, he is calm, and he is not yelling at someone 4 feet away in an attempt to have a conversation. I always stay in very close proximity to the students when they are holding Sssteve without my help (some students still like me to have one hand under theirs); during these times, this student and I get to have good conversations – sometimes its just about reptiles or Sssteve in general, but even those conversations are helping to build a relationship between the two of us. 

Another positive influence having a snake in the room has on kids is just building confidence and trust. In the very beginning, I had a lot of students who were too nervous to be near the snake; they were curious about him and wanted to see him, but from several feet away. However, after watching their friends be brave and touch or hold the snake without any problems, the nervous ones tend to come up and at least touch him with one finger. “He’s not slimy!” That is about the most common phrase I hear about him. Students conquering their fears and being so proud of themselves is an amazing thing to witness. I apologize to all the parents who get random snake photos without warning, but your kiddos are growing in confidence! Want to follow Sssteve during his adventures? Check him out on Instagram @Ssstevepython.

PS – why the three Ss in his name? Well, because his little blrrpy tongue has a hard time making the S sound.

Lynna Schiller

Lynna Schiller is currently teaching 7th grade Science at Cheatham Elementary in Laveen, Az. She has held many various roles in almost 20 years of education and has been in the LESD district for the last 8 years. While literacy has always been her priority, she has taken on several other grades and content areas including math and science. She began her secondary teaching adventure in the Phoenix Union High School District teaching 11th grade American Literature. She spent 6 years in a charter school in Avondale where she taught Sophomore English and Reading Skills and then joined the admin team as Instructional Coach and student advisor, testing coordinator, and part-time Assistant Principal (All at the same time! Ambitious? Exhausting!). After taking some time off to be Mom to her two daughters, she began working part-time in the Laveen District as an Instructional Associate using her knowledge and skills in literacy to work with students who fell far below grade level in reading; she enjoys working closely with other teachers to help struggling students find their own success. In leisurely times, she can be found curled up in her recliner with her stack of books, a cup of coffee, and her dog.