Elementary Students Explore Exotic Amphibians, Reptiles and Snakes
Article and photos by Shelly Newman
 
Students in grades K–2, district-wide, celebrated the diversity of reptiles and amphibians from all around the world with Eriks’ Reptile Edventures. This interactive presentation, provided by North Shore’s Enrichment Services, offered students the opportunity to see and touch live animals from places like Australia and Madagascar.

The children met and touched many species of animals; including lizards, snakes, turtles, and toads from North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. As students explored the unique adaptations and habitats of the animals, they gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life on our planet.

At the assembly, Erik Callendar taught the students about the lives of these exotic animals while engaging them in stories about how he met them in various countries including Malaysia! As part of the program, the audience eagerly watched as Erik safely introduced them to the different creatures, many of which were his pets. Students excitedly touched the lizards and frogs and even held an albino python named Twinkie!

Erik Callendar has been performing live reptile shows for schools, camps and veterinary hospitals for the past 11 years. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. For more information, please visit his website at www.edventureshow.com . Many thanks to the district-wide Enrichment Program under the direction of Diane Krupin (SC), Brian Kline (GH) and Audra Marcantonio (GWL) for bringing this interactive program to the elementary schools.