Few things are more appealing to children than watching a tortoise eat - especially if they can get a glimpse of his tongue - if the weather is poor, take some special leaves that he likes, so you can demonstrate !
Good to know😁
Thank you. I’m taking notes from past threads and doing a little research. It’s 1st and 2nd graders who we will be visiting, hoping to keep it fairly simple. How do I contact Team Gomberg? (My technical skills are limited)
You can clock on her highlighted name in my thread. Then where it says start a conversation click on that and you can send her a private message.
Got it! (I think)
Hello. My grandchildren have always enjoyed a visit with my little Russian. IF I let him run around checking out my grands, first I make them sit down and tell them not to look like a great big monster towering over him. Also no quick movements. He's just a little fella. Just let him decide what he's comfortable with. And then the magic happens. Have so much fun 😘
Perfect. My grandchildren would get so excited and didn't realize they are scaring my animals half to death. 🐢I always make children sit on the floor when they are around my animals. It's more enjoyable for everyone.🤗Hi there, so happy that you get to share your tortoise with others!
Here are the top tips I have for you:
-Soak your tortoise for at least an hour in warm water before you go. This will allow him to empty his tank before the trip and not in the car.
-I also highly recommend you bring a giant blanket to lay down on the ground. You can set the tortoise on the blanket with the kids seated in a circle around. Offer them pieces of romaine (or sprinkle the romaine around the circle) so they can all have good viewing and opportunities to watch him eat.
Without the blanket or "home base" you will end up all over the place. trust me. LOL It also helps the kids stay focused and seated because you ask them to stay off the blanket. Without this, the extroverted kiddos will monopolize the petting time and the introverted/shy children will miss out. It's easy to happen and easy to go unnoticed but I have had HUGE compliments from parents and teachers because my circle time avoids this. Kids are always welcome to pet and feed when he's on their side of the circle. And as the trainer, you can ensure he moves around and spends time in front of everyone.
-I never trust the "untreated grass" because I once saw pesticide being sprayed on a park that the park rec committee swore was untreated. No harm brining your own. Romaine lettuce was only ever used for these types of treats, so it makes the tortoise happy.
When feeding the romaine leaves, have the kiddo hold the end like the plant root and once the tort gets close to fingers tell them to drop the leaf or else their finger gets fed into the conveyor belt
-For talking points you can cover the 4 basic zoology points.
What type of animal is it
Where is it found in nature
What does it do in the ecosystem
What special features and abilities does it have to perform this task.
I'm sure you can answer those but if you want, I'm happy to lay out some specifics. It's what I do for a living so clearly I'm passionate about it! haha
Good luck. Would love to see photos from the event!
Wonderful report!
I was hoping somebody would share with you. I love the third picture especially.🤗
Thank you. I hope we are invited to visit again. It was a great day for all. That was with the kindergartners.
