Meet Peanut

I may have a bit of a problem.  I love animals and I can't say no to the idea of having more animals in our classroom to care for.  We brought Steve, our stickbug, into the classroom and shortly after that I received a call from someone offering us a turtle!  Now, how do you say no to that?

Peanut has lived with Mrs. J, who substitutes at another school in our district, for 30 years.  She bought Peanut as a baby and was ready to see her go to a new home for inquiring minds to enjoy observing!

The first day that peanut joined us, we spent some time touching her and feeling her shell.  After that, we washed our hands very well and agreed to let Peanut have her space and just look without touching.

The kids love to sit by Peanut and watch her move around.  She's much more active than I expected a turtle to be.

Her favorite spot is her water basin.  She loves to sit in the water and watch the kids or dunk her head under water for a little bath.

I was surprised to find out that a big Rubbermaid container was the ideal habitat for Box Turtles.  We have some coconut shavings at the bottom, a basin for water, and two different lights to keep her warm.

So far, her favorite food has been rolly-polly bugs.  She likes to trample all over her fruits and veggies.  

We love having Peanut in the classroom and look forward to continuing our inquiry of turtles and their needs!

Happy learning!