Ben and I are currently in the midst of teaching an engaging class on hermit crabs and tide pools at our homeschool coop. Our curriculum for this 12-week semester is centered around the captivating book, Pagoo, by Holling Clancy Holling, which boasts stunning illustrations and scientifically accurate content that captivates kids of all ages. We strongly believe in incorporating multiple subjects, such as literature and science, into our classes.

Our students read the book, which tells the story of a hermit crab named Pagoo who explores his tide pool habitat and other related subjects, through the eyes of the crab. The students also work on language arts skills through reading, writing, and building vocabulary

To help with this, each week we assign the kids reading and vocabulary assignments. They are given a list of word descriptions and tasked with finding the vocabulary word in the assigned chapter or solving vocabulary-related crossword puzzles, word searches, or word-matching games. During class time, we delve into the scientific topics using manipulatives, pictures, videos, and live observations of the ten hermit crabs we keep in our classroom.

When we initially came up with the idea for this class, we knew we wanted to incorporate live hermit crabs into our curriculum but didn’t want to support pet shops that often sell them without proper care instructions. We learned that many people purchase hermit crabs from tourist shops at the beach, and the crabs often die after a few weeks due to improper care. Because we are ethical and passionate about animal welfare, we reached out to a local crab rescuer and were fortunate to secure a tank and ten rescued hermit crabs that were given up by owners who no longer wanted them.

By having real hermit crabs in our classroom, we bring the book Pagoo to life. Each week, the students bring treats for the crabs and learn how to properly care for them, which helps broaden their understanding of pet ownership and responsibility.

Our students range in age from 9 to 18, with the majority being middle school-aged. Thanks to the captivating nature of the book, it’s easy to teach to such a diverse age range. While most students are able to read the book independently and complete their assignments, some choose to read with their parents or have it read to them.

If you are interested in purchasing our curriculum or parts of it, please check back with us in a few weeks. The curriculum is currently being tested and updated in a homeschool setting and in the classroom to ensure the best possible learning experience for all students. Thank you for your interest!