Empathy

One of the most exciting aspects of The Drawing Zoo is how many new applications I get asked to approach.

Empathy is so obvious and natural, I'm definitely thinking "Why didn't I think of that?"

Through Young Audiences of Maryland, I am visiting schools in Anne Arundel County to expand upon their "Be kind" program.  This program repeatedly encourages students to:

-Treat others with respect and patience

-Use appropriate language

-Have an open mind and accept differences

-Solve problems in a calm and mature manner

This new spin off program is still STEAM powered, but highlighting the "how to touch" portion of the lesson. The method we use to touch the animals is based on how they interpret our actions. We cover many ideas like "How would an animal feel if a stranger poked it's face?" and even dive into specifics, like how a turtle can feel you touching its shell.  It requires us to imagine we are small animals, with instincts fit for being at the bottom of the food chain and picturing how certain interactions would make us feel.

In detail, empathizing with animals teaches us to see from a perspective that does not match ours. Animals are diverse with a variety of needs and therefor points of view. For example, the chameleon feels safe by hiding in plain sight. Camille hates being in a confined space. As far as she's concerned, she's green + her plant is green = she's hidden and safe. Snakes on the other hand like to be in the tightest space possible. Some immediately call out "abuse" when they see my snake squeezed into a toilet paper tube, which is firmly wedged in a plastic container. But if it can feel the container (whether it be a rock in nature or a toilet paper tube in captivity) on all sides of its body, it cannot be surprised. As far as they're concerned, they've prevented another animal from sneaking up on it. Also, it means that in a bumpy car ride, they're not being flung around. Even in their big cages, I need to provide them lots of nooks and crannies for them to squeeze into.

More snakes in tubes here

How can this apply to every day life?
Think of an argument or disagreement you've had. We've all been guilty of preparing our own statements and rebuttals while the other person is still talking- at least once? Animals, however do not participate in dialogue. They communicate through body language, secreting odors and sometimes making noise, which forces us to listen to what they are saying instead of trying to sway them.
And who doesn't love a good listener?

The best part is how much fun the students have exploring their skills with animals. I love this new program so much, I could go on for 10 more paragraphs. However, I think I've hit the important points and I'd love to hear what you think! Comment below.

-Brittany 

The Dull Side...Paperwork

As adults responsible for children, "insurance" and "liability" are words that pop into our heads. It's no surprise that some paperwork has to be filed before our visits.

In house Checklist
As we promote on all of our platforms, we only bring animals who have proven to be good with children, travel, strange noises and smells. This comes with experience, which I have detailed in our "Animal Practices" post last year. This covers not just my personal experience with animal behavior, but the animals' experience as well. For example, Coby the Corn Snake is going on 18 years old! And he's been great with kids the whole time.

Policies
Should you poke an animal in the face just because I said it won't bite? Should I poke a teacher's face just because I'm confident he/she won't bite? No!
Respect is a foundation of this service. Just because this team of animals can handle stress, doesn't mean we're subjecting them to stress needlessly. We have company polices in place to protect our animals from disrespectful and potentially harmful situations. All educators contracting The Drawing Zoo must read and agree to these safety polices.

BCPS Guidelines
At The Drawing Zoo, we follow the Guidelines for the "Use of Animals, Plants, and Other Organisms in the School Setting and in Outdoor Science Programs" as written by the Baltimore County Public Schools Towson, Maryland Office of Science. This not only ensures another level of safety, but also convenience for the school. You know that our services are compatible with your goals, needs and rules! (http://www.nsta.org/about/positions/animals.aspx). 
Insurance
And as responsible owners, we carry liability insurance and will provide the COI and any additional details that administrators may need.

Letter of recommendation
As and extra seal of validation, I am happy to share the expert opinions on The Drawing Zoo's animals from Dr. Vivian Ho and Technician Darcey Bowen.

Background Check
As the teaching artist who frequents classrooms, I've had my background checks and fingerprinting completed in multiple counties. My receipt is always on my person.

Entertainment Agreement
Some schools request we sign an Entertainment Agreement, which I complete promptly.

It can seem like a lot, but I do my best to make the paperwork quick and painless. I might also add that repeat visits yield an even quicker process. And what dull mornings are spent organizing the proper precautions, are more than made up in these unforgettable, colorful, adventurous lessons!

-Brittany
If you're considering working with The Drawing Zoo please email TheDrawingZoo@gmail.com