Many children want to bring a favourite animal to school. Some schools allow it and some do not. A little planning keeps the day calm for you, your child and the teacher.
Ask the school first
Check the school's rules before the animal goes in the bag. Some schools allow small items, and some ask children to leave them at home. If you are not sure, send a short message to the teacher.
Ask two things. Is it allowed? And where should it stay during lessons? The answers will save a lot of tears.
Choose a small one
A small animal fits in a bag pocket and does not take up desk space. We make four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra large. S is the smallest size of each animal. The Size Finder can help you choose one that fits a school bag.
A dog or a bear in Small is a common pick. Check the animal beside the bag at home first.
Pick the pocket
Show your child where the animal lives in the bag. Use an outside pocket that is easy to reach, or a front pocket with a zip. Tell them to keep it there until home time.
Plan for lost things
Things go missing at school. Talk to your child before it happens. Say what to do if the animal is lost: tell the teacher, and then tell you. Say it is not a big problem. You can find it, or you can talk about a new one.
Do not write a child's surname or school name on the animal. A first name on a small tag inside the bag is enough.
The home time routine
Decide what happens to the animal when your child gets home. It could go on the bed, in the basket or on a shelf. A fixed spot makes the day easier to end.
- Take it out of the bag at the door.
- Check it for dust, damp or loose yarn.
- Put it in its place before snacks.
Cleaning
School bags are not always clean. Mikono animals are easy to clean, and the care guide has gentle steps. Wipe marks early, before they set.
A plain animal has zero plastic and nothing detachable. Still, it helps to look it over now and then, and an adult should watch young children at play.
If the school says no
Do not argue. Pick another place for the animal, like the car, the bedside table or the gate at home time. Your child can say goodbye in the morning and hello in the afternoon.
For an animal that stays home, a larger size works well. For one that travels, choose Small.
