When we think about learning, we usually picture classrooms, textbooks, and teachers armed with whiteboard markers. But some of the world’s most powerful lessons don’t come from humans at all, they come from animals.
Across Australia, animals play a huge role in education, from early childhood centres with classroom pets to high school agriculture programs and even therapy animals in universities. What makes them such brilliant teachers? It’s simple: animals model behaviours that humans often forget.
Take the humble kangaroo. Watching a joey learn to balance, fall, and try again teaches students more about resilience than any poster on a classroom wall. There’s no shame, no hesitation, just pure trial and error. When teachers use animal examples like this, students begin to understand that failure is not an ending, but part of the learning curve.
Dogs, on the other hand, offer lessons in emotional intelligence. Therapy dogs in Australian schools have been shown to reduce stress, increase attendance, and help students regulate their emotions. Children who struggle to communicate with teachers often open up more easily when patting a calm, non-judgemental animal. It’s a simple reminder: connection fuels learning.
Even insects, the often-overlooked heroes, have something to offer. Watching bees in a school garden can spark rich conversations about teamwork, environmental sustainability, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Suddenly biology is no longer just a topic; it’s happening right in front of the students’ eyes.
Animals turn abstract ideas into real, observable experiences. They transform curiosity into understanding, helping students develop empathy, responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the natural world.
In an age where screens dominate attention, animals bring learning back to something real. They remind us that education isn’t confined to classrooms, sometimes the best teachers have wings, scales, paws, or fur.

Sara