Wild About Learning at Heartwood School

Curiosity came to life at Heartwood School last week as students and staff welcomed the Exotic Zoo for an exciting hands-on learning experience featuring animals from around the world.

From kangaroos and snakes to other unique species, students had the opportunity to observe, interact with and learn about wildlife in a way that transformed learning into a fully immersive experience. The visit encouraged exploration, engagement and sensory-rich discovery while helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world experiences.

Heartwood School, part of Ingham Intermediate School District’s special education programming, serves students with a wide range of learning and support needs, including students with cognitive impairments, severe multiple impairments and autism spectrum disorders.

Experiences like the Exotic Zoo visit provide students with opportunities to build communication skills, confidence and curiosity through meaningful, interactive learning. Staff members helped create an inclusive environment where students could safely explore animal textures, movements and behaviors while engaging with presenters and peers.

For many students, the visit created memorable moments of wonder and excitement — from gently touching a snake to getting an up-close look at a kangaroo.

Hands-on experiences like these continue to highlight the importance of engaging students through experiential learning opportunities that make education feel accessible, personal and fun.

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