Lily the Bunny - Thornhill Park’s Newest Enrolment!

Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten Thornhill Park is excited to introduce Lily the bunny, the newest addition to their family! This sweet white, fluffy bunny is keeping the kinder kids at Thornhill Park entertained and mesmerised by her cuteness. The children can't get enough of petting, cuddling, holding or just watching our little furry friend. Having a class pet at a young age can have many benefits. Read on to find out more!

How do class pets benefit children?

With over 25 million pets owned in Australia, it’s no wonder that more Australians share their homes with pets than with kids! With this in mind, it makes sense that teachers understand the importance of having one in the classroom.

Introducing a class pet in childcare settings can offer numerous benefits for young children, such as:

1.  Responsibility. Caring for a class pet instils a sense of responsibility in children as they learn to feed, clean, and care for the animal
2. Empathy and Compassion. Interacting with a class pet fosters empathy and compassion as children develop a connection with the animal, understanding its needs and emotions.
3. Social Skills. Taking care of a class pet encourages teamwork and cooperation among children as they work together to care for the animal.
4. Stress Reduction. Spending time with a class pet can have a calming effect on children, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
5. Learning Opportunities. Having a class pet creates valuable learning opportunities across various subjects. This includes science (learning about animal behaviour, biology, and habitats) and maths (measuring food portions, tracking growth).
6. Emotional Support. A class pet can serve as a source of comfort and emotional support, especially during times of stress or transition. The presence of a friendly animal can help children feel safe, secure, and loved.

Lily the Bunny at Aspire Thornhill Park

Aspire Thornhill Park has recently introduced a fun new friend to their kinder rooms. Lily the Bunny has bounced into the centre, and into the hearts of everyone there! Brought in to help the children learn about responsible pet ownership, Lily will help children grow their confidence around animals, teach responsibility and relieve their stress. As well as that, a class pet is a fun experience that the children will remember fondly for years to come.

Every weekend, a different child will take the rabbit home with them to care for it. They are encouraged to document its adventures and take pictures to show to the class on Monday. Then another student will take it for the next weekend of fun!

Lily has LOVED exploring the centre and meeting lots of new friends. The children have been gentle and kind to her, giving her soft pats and telling her about what they are learning in class. It is a wonderful opportunity for the children to bond with an animal and benefit from her cute, calming, presence.  

Check out some of Lily’s adventures below!

Aspire Thornhill Park is an incredible place to go to kinder! We offer plenty of incursions, learning experiences and opportunities to help ensure our little learners are school-ready. Learn more about Aspire Early Education Thornhill Park by calling 1800 978 429 or emailing info@aspireearlyeducation.vic.edu.au.