When Marieum Ahmad brought a turtle into her classroom during her first year of teaching, it wasn’t just about having a cute classroom pet. It was about building community, teaching responsibility, and creating a classroom culture where students felt connected and shared something.
Marieum is a 4th grade teacher in California, and her turtle, Todo, has become a meaningful part of everyday classroom life, including science lessons and creating student activities. We talked to him about why he chose a turtle, and how his students earned responsibility, and what having a pet in the classroom has taught her and her students along the way. You can also find her sharing life as a first-year teacher on Instagram at Mrs. Mariemm.
Q: What inspired you to bring a pet into your classroom, especially in your first year of teaching?
As a first-year teacher, I really wanted to create a classroom that felt welcoming and special to my students. I knew they were preparing for a new grade and new expectations, and I wanted something that would help build a sense of community. A classroom pet felt like a way to give them something shared to care for and be proud of, while teaching responsibility and empathy.
Question: Why did you choose the turtle in particular?
I’ve had Todo for five years and always knew he would make a great pet. Turtles fit well in the classroom and do not interfere with learning. Turtles are also lovely for children to watch, and they naturally spark curiosity and questions, making them perfect for a learning environment.
Q: You do a lot of content being a first-year teacher. Why is that important to you?
Personally, I experienced a lot of negativity online when I was studying to be a teacher. This affects a lot of future teachers, and I wanted to show excellence in teaching, even as a new teacher. I think it’s important to be honest about what the first year of teaching is really like. It can be exciting, frustrating, exhilarating, and exhausting all at the same time. Sharing my experience helps other new teachers feel less alone and reminds people how much more goes into teaching than what they see in the classroom.
Q: How did you introduce the turtle to your students, and how did they react?
The students were told about Todo on the first day of school and had to lead him. Through various demonstrations of responsibility and effort, he joined our class for two months of the school year. To have students benefit him instead of being with him as soon as he creates a personal sense of the importance of children. The students were soon excited and curious. They ask a lot of questions and want to know everything about turtles. It quickly became a class affair.
Q: What are some creative ways you incorporate the turtle into your lessons or classroom routines?
We use turtles for observation and writing activities, science lessons about animals and habitats, and as part of our daily routines. Students may write about what they see, measure portions of food, or use the turtle as a topic for reading and discussion. You are also part of our classroom activities program.
Q: What roles or responsibilities do students have in caring for the turtle?
Students help with remote feeding, checking water and tank temperatures, and making sure the turtle’s habitat stays clean and safe. We rotate these responsibilities so everyone gets a chance to help. It teaches them responsibility and cooperation. One of my favorite moments was seeing how protective and gentle the students were with the turtle. They remind each other of the rules and look after the turtle’s safety. It was really special to see how much they care.
Q: How has having a classroom pet supported your students socially, emotionally, or academically?
Socially and emotionally, the turtle helped students to be kind and patient. It gives them something good to talk about and bond with. In the classroom, it increases engagement, especially during writing and science lessons, because students enjoy learning when it connects to something real in their classroom.
Q: What tips would you give to another teacher considering a classroom pet?
Be sure to research the animal and choose one that fits your class and program. Establish clear rules and procedures for care, and make it a shared responsibility. It is also important to be realistic about the time and commitment involved.
I didn’t realize how observant and inquisitive turtles are. They have their own little personality, and students notice small changes in behavior that I would never have thought to notice before.
QUESTION: What do you hope students take away from the experience of caring for an animal in the classroom?
I hope they will learn responsibility, compassion, and respect for living things. I also hope they remember that our classroom is a place where we care for each other and share. Most of all, I hope they remember Todo’s turtle as part of their learning journey for years to come!
Q: Anything else you would like readers to know about your first year, your students, or your classroom pet?
My first year of teaching was full of challenges, learning, and really good times. It showed me how much impact teachers have beyond education. Teaching isn’t just about courses and standards, it’s about building relationships, creating safe spaces, and helping students feel seen and valued. The turtle has become a symbol of that in our classroom: patience, care, and consistency.
I want to represent beauty and positivity in teaching, even on hard days. I hope people realize that classrooms can be fun places where students feel supported and excited about learning. As a first-year teacher, I strive to be someone who brings creativity, kindness, and purpose to the classroom and shows students that learning can be meaningful and fun. I want my students to remember not only what they learned but how they felt in our classroom.
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