show & tell

I teach kindergarten and have 2 Balls as class mascots/pets -- a 3 year-old Albino female "Lemonhead" and my retired Butter breeder male "Bob". :D

They are both super-docile and I have ZERO concern they will ever strike. They are passed around like a loaf of bread and the kids have learned a lot about snakes and DO LOVE THEM SO!!!

The holding while the kids pet is a good call f you are the least bit concerned. Good luck!!! :gj:

I've brought mine into my cousin's pre-k class without any problems. All the kids get to pet them while I hold them, and my cousin, since it's his show and tell, gets to hold him for a while. I usually bring all three of mine and my king to show how different they can be, but the kids only get to touch or hold Simon, since I trust him the most and he pretty much doesn't care what you do to him. Bringing snakes into the classroom is, in my opinion, an excellent way to dispel myths and fears about them early on. Just make sure the kids know they have to sit quietly, ask questions with a raised hand, and not make any sudden movements. It's fun to talk about the little quirks snake's have, like their lungs, how they eat, or shedding. Good luck! I'm pretty sure you'll have "coolest mom" status forever :D

thanks you guys. all this is very helpful. im not looking to get the snake until september or so, & by then the kids will be back in school & in different grades/classes. i'll take some time to work with the snake & tame it a little before i try any kind of public socialization. im sure the neighborhood kids will wanna come by & at least see the snake my daughter will surely talk about, lol.