|
|
Post by Allison on Apr 11, 2007 7:11:04 GMT -7
I am a kindergarten teacher and my principal allowed me to bring in Toku as a classroom pet. I figured it would be good for the kids and it would be good for Toku to be around "kids his age".  As you can see EVERYONE is having so much fun!! I have more than just these pictures showing just how active he is and enjoying his time as an honorary kindergartener!  Exploring the manipulatives.  5 year old kids, 4 month birds = same interests!  Toku and his new friend. Already buds. (Although my student was a bit afraid by Toku's following him!)  The boys were playing with Toku and the Legos. They were building him a house, he was chewing it.   Later that day all the kids gathered around him and we turned up the music to Raffi, "Bananaphone" and the kids and I danced around him and Toku began a little head bobbing but was unsure. We had a great time.. and I think he did too! |
|
|
|
Post by Penny & Melissa on Apr 11, 2007 8:28:33 GMT -7
Cute pictures! Boy are you brave, I would be so afraid that one of the kids would step on Toku, or accidently hurt him.  |
|
|
|
Post by erica on Apr 11, 2007 10:21:56 GMT -7
What an awesome opportunity to really socialize him. I would love to be able to get Grissom out meeting people, but it's hard as he would probably bite them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Allison on Apr 11, 2007 11:49:32 GMT -7
No, I am not afraid of the kids stepping on him. I am more afraid of him biting them and me having to hear about it from the parents, lol. I had to get permission from every parent to bring him in! They are not allowed to pet him unfortunately.
I'm very careful when he's on the floor, they can only be so close and they aren't allowed to make any sudden movements. It's a lot more structured than it appears but the kids LOVE him! They LOVE LOVE him. They think he's the funniest thing in the world. Unfortunately he might learn some not so acceptable behaviors because the kids will laugh at ANYTHING he does and I'm sure he'll learn to keep doing it for attention and before you know it, I have a class clown for a bird!
|
|
|
|
Post by Allison on Apr 11, 2007 11:50:32 GMT -7
Oh, and let me add that while we were dancing around him, he was on the table - away from feet! |
|
|
|
Post by Allison on Apr 11, 2007 11:54:06 GMT -7
Another P.S. - When I went to go put him in his cage, he grabbed a hold of a toy and wouldn't give it back. When I went to grab for it, he ran as fast as he could (yes, RAN not fly) with the toy in his mouth away from me like a little two year old. It was rather cute and all, but not a behavior I would like to encourage!
|
|
|
|
Post by Penny & Melissa on Apr 11, 2007 11:56:26 GMT -7
Sounds like Toku is one lucky lucky bird!!  |
|
|
|
Post by Penny & Melissa on Apr 11, 2007 12:03:48 GMT -7
Talon does that when she gets a hold of a pen or pencil and also starts yelling at me!!  |
|
|
|
Post by Penny & Melissa on Apr 11, 2007 12:04:31 GMT -7
And bobbing his head I imagine!!
|
|
Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
|
Post by Preston on Apr 11, 2007 14:08:45 GMT -7
It looks like a great day for the kids and Toku. Both of mine will get what they aren't supposed to have and run squaking when you try to get it.
|
|
Preston
Super Talker
NEED HELP? WE WILL ANSWER AS FAST AS WE CAN (Note: Preston passed away in 2012. We hold his memories dearly, he was a great person and super moderator.)
Sisika and Pete
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 5,912
|
Post by Preston on Apr 11, 2007 14:55:12 GMT -7
P.S. Pete is a clown and lives for a laugh; it is actually fun to have around.
|
|
|
|
Post by judygram on Apr 11, 2007 17:00:41 GMT -7
That Toku is one lucky bird.
|
|
|
|
Post by sars on Apr 11, 2007 18:02:49 GMT -7
Allison,
I love the story and photos. I especially like the first photo with Toku looking down.
I think this is something that will really make Toku a happy, well adjusted Grey. Keep it up.
|
|
|
|
Post by maggiemay on Apr 11, 2007 19:51:42 GMT -7
Great Pics!! WOW! Toku's first day at school that's amazing. I'm sure your students want a Grey now too  LOL |
|
|
|
Post by Allison on Apr 12, 2007 5:02:54 GMT -7
Toku can only come every other day because on the days I go to the gym, I don't go directly home and cannot take him to the gym WITH me so he stays home on those days. On the days when he is not here, the kids are *so* disappointed. They ask constantly, "Where is Toku? Is he coming in tomorrow? I love Toku!" and so forth. They just adore him! I even have my kids helping to teach him cause and effect with language. For example: When he drops something, I have the kids go, "uh-oh!". When they leave the room, "Bye, Toku!" When they had him something, "Here you go!" When they enter a room, "Hi Toku!" They all use the same phrases that way he knows what those phrases mean and how they mean the same thing, no matter who comes and goes. Hopefully that will help Toku learn some language. I find it so funny that my bird, and my students have the same tastes. My students were sitting in a circle and Toku was just having a good ol time walking around to everyone. Unfortunately he was a bit intimidating to a few of them who would run off when he got near. He found his one buddy though and latched onto him. Unfortunately I don't have a picture on my work computer - but it was quite funny. Toku was hanging off the side of him and my poor student was semi-terrified!! LOL. PENNY - How does Talon yell at you when you go to take something away from you? |
|
LOL