Post Avenue Preschoolers Charm Goats, Ducks, and Bunnies During Petting Zoo Visit
Post Avenue Preschool students began their school day alongside some furry pals on the first Tuesday in October. Steppin’ Out Ponies’ traveling petting zoo experience landed at Post that morning to students and staff’s delight. For the last few years, the family-owned and operated farm has brought goats, chickens, ducks, and bunnies for students to pet, feed, and play with.
Students stepped out of their classrooms to explore the mini-farm that materialized in their schoolyard. Teachers, teacher aides, and other available team members joined them, carefully holding students’ hands to offer support and comfort as they were introduced to the friendly creatures.
“I was a little surprised to see how good the goats were with the students,” said Kathleen Acuti, a Physical Therapist at Post Avenue. “I helped two children feed them. The students were very excited, even the children who were apprehensive at first, after a while they relaxed and were more open to feeding and petting them.”
For several of the preschoolers at Post, this experience is their first time interacting with an animal. The animals are as enthusiastic to feel the children’s little hands as the students are to feed and pet them.
As the preschoolers felt the sensation of soft fur and feathers, they were amazed. It’s part of what makes the petting zoo experience so rewarding; it gives students the opportunity to engage with nature and have a positive sensory experience.
Another bonus is added time students spend outside, stretching their legs and taking in the sunshine.
“The students are very active here,” shared Kathleen who makes the most of Post’s outdoor access, “I like to take advantage of working with the students outside when possible. We’ve had beautiful weather these last few days, so it’s been nice working on skills like kicking in the playground.”
After visiting the petting zoo, students lined up beside their class buddy and waited for their teacher’s instructions. Some classes sang a transition song, clapping their hands and singing along to, “It was so much fun, but now we’re all done…” and happily walked to the playground to enjoy more outdoor time in the jungle gym.