When Marieum Ahmad brought a turtle into her classroom during her very first year of teaching, it wasn’t just about having a cute class pet. It was about building community, teaching responsibility, and creating a classroom culture where students feel connected to something they share.
Marieum is a 4th grade teacher in California, and her turtle, Todo, has become a meaningful part of daily classroom life, which has included science lessons and creating student jobs. We talked with her about why she chose a turtle, how her students earned the responsibility, and what having a class pet has taught her and her students along the way. You can also find her sharing first-year teacher life on Instagram at Mrs. Marieumm.
Q: What inspired you to bring a class pet into your classroom, especially in your very first year of teaching?
As a first-year teacher, I really wanted to create a classroom that felt welcoming and special for my students. I knew they were adjusting to a new grade and new expectations, and I wanted something that would help build a sense of community. A class pet felt like a way to give them something shared to care about and take pride in, while also teaching responsibility and empathy.
Q: Why did you choose a turtle specifically?
I have had Todo for five years and always knew he would make the perfect class pet. Turtles fit well in a classroom setting and aren’t disruptive to learning. Turtles are also fascinating for kids to observe, and they naturally spark curiosity and questions, which makes them perfect for a learning environment.
Q: You do a lot of content around being a first-year teacher. Why is that important for you?
Personally, I found a lot of negativity online when I was studying to be a teacher. This affects the wide masses of future educators, and I wanted to show the beauty 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, overwhelming, joyful, and exhausting all at the same time. Sharing my experiences helps other new teachers feel less alone and reminds people how much goes into teaching beyond what they see in the classroom.
Q: How did you introduce the turtle to your students, and what was their reaction?
Students were told about Todo on the first day of school and had to earn him. Through various demonstrations of responsibility and effort, he joined our classroom two months into the school year. Having the students earn him instead of just having him there creates a more personal sense of value for kids. The students were immediately excited and curious. They asked lots of questions and wanted to know everything about turtles. It instantly became something that brought the class together.
Q: In what creative ways do you incorporate the turtle into your lessons or classroom routines?
We use the turtle for observation and writing activities, science lessons about animals and habitats, and even as part of our daily routines. Students might write about what they notice, measure food portions, or use the turtle as a topic for reading and discussion. He’s also part of our classroom jobs system.
Q: What roles or responsibilities do students have in caring for the turtle?
Students help with feeding from a distance, checking the water and tank temp, and making sure the turtle’s area stays clean and safe. We rotate these responsibilities so everyone gets a chance to help. It teaches them accountability and teamwork. One of my favorite moments was seeing how protective and gentle the students are with the turtle. They remind each other of the rules and look out for the turtle’s safety. It’s been 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 has helped students practice kindness and patience. It gives them something positive to talk about and bond over. Academically, it has increased engagement, especially during writing and science lessons, because students are excited to learn when it connects to something real in their classroom.
Q: What tips would you give another teacher who is considering a class pet?
Make sure you research the animal and choose one that fits your classroom and schedule. Set clear rules and routines for care, and make it a shared responsibility. It’s also important to be realistic about the time and commitment involved.
I didn’t realize how observant and curious turtles are. They have their own little personalities, and the students notice small changes in behavior that I wouldn’t have thought to look for before.
Q: What do you hope students take away from the experience of caring for an animal in the classroom?
I hope they learn responsibility, empathy, and respect for living things. I also hope they remember that our classroom is a place where we take care of each other and what we share. Most of all, I hope they remember Todo the turtle as a part of their learning journey for years to come!
Q: Anything else you’d like readers to know about your first year, your students, or your classroom pet?
My first year of teaching has been full of challenges, learning, and really beautiful moments. It has shown me how much impact teachers have beyond academics. Teaching isn’t just about lessons 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 the beauty and positivity in teaching, even on the hard days. I hope people see that classrooms can be joyful places where students feel supported and excited to learn. As a first-year teacher, I strive to be someone who brings creativity, kindness, and purpose into the classroom and who shows students that learning can be meaningful and fun. I want my students to remember not just what they learned but how they felt in our classroom.