This term, our Cycle 3 classroom welcomed a very special new member — Golden Nugget, our bearded dragon! Having a class pet is more than just exciting; it fosters responsibility, empathy and connection with the natural world, aligning beautifully with our Montessori School’s philosophy of nurturing independence and care for the environment.

How It Began

The journey started in Week 1, when we discovered that one of our students was happy to donate his bearded dragon to the class. After checking with leadership and confirming with the family, we began thoughtful conversations about Golden Nugget’s needs. Together with the student’s parents, we exchanged emails about the enclosure size, the dragon’s age and the conditions she would need to thrive.

A Real-Life Learning Project

This soon became a hands-on learning project. Students worked in small groups to solve the problem of where to place the enclosure, considering access to power points, measuring the perimeter and checking height clearance. What began as a practical task developed into a maths investigation, with everyone contributing ideas. Once we agreed on the perfect spot, we moved on to discussions about long-term care, including who would look after Golden Nugget during school holidays — especially the longer Christmas break.

Research and Discovery

Along the way, students researched bearded dragon behaviours and diet, discovering how their needs reflect the balance of nature. This added another layer of learning, connecting science and ecology with the practical responsibility of pet care.

Naming and Caring

By Week 7, Golden Nugget officially joined our classroom. The students had the joy of choosing her new name, making the experience feel truly collaborative and special. Since then, she has sparked endless curiosity, inspiring questions such as:

• “Why does she bask on her rock?”
• “How can we tell if she’s comfortable?”

Learning Through Care

This project has given students daily opportunities to practise observation, responsibility and problem-solving. Just as our Montessori philosophy encourages, the children are learning by doing — caring for Golden Nugget with patience and respect, while deepening their understanding of the interconnectedness of life.

Golden Nugget has quickly become a beloved part of our classroom, reminding us that learning is not only about books and lessons, but also about the relationships we build and the care we show for others.