Like many preschool children, Michael Shwedick fell in love with reptiles. He was first introduced to the animals in the pages of books at the local library. More than forty years later he is passing on his knowledge and devotion to reptiles to young children.
However, this Crofton resident and owner of Reptile World, wants their first experience with reptiles not to be pictures in a book but experiences that will make lifelong memories.
On Wednesday Shwedick introduced the Crofton Town Club’s Moms-n-Tots group to a forty-year-old alligator turtle.
The room at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church grew quiet as two-dozen toddlers’ eyes fixed on the mammoth animal being held by assistant David Dean.
“Every morning, I’m glad to see him, but he’s not glad to see me. He doesn’t know me. Reptiles don’t have feelings, ” Shwedick tells the young audience.
He believes the most important thing that he can teach young children is that no matter how much we like reptiles they are not our pets and when we see them in the wild we should leave them alone.
Two-year old Ryan Sutter sits nestled on his mom’s lap wide-eyed at the ten-foot white snake being unrolled before his eyes. “What a great opportunity for Ryan to be able to see reptiles up close,” said Jennifer Sutter. “After this we may go to the local library and pick up picture books about reptiles.”
Since 1970, Shwedick has introduced children around the country to the fascinating world of reptiles. The program was designed to give audiences the opportunity to meet an interesting selection of live, large, colorful, and gentile reptiles from all over the world.
Shwedick and his reptiles are a fixture at many of the local area school assemblies. He also teaches at scout events, family nights, festivals, corporate events and theme parks. Not to mention appearances on network and cable television shows.
With more than 12,000 shows under his belt Schwedick said he is delighted to be able to introduce and teach young children about reptiles. He believes that the key to a successful show for pre-schoolers is to keep it simple.
“Teaching about these animals and presenting for audiences all over the country has always been a privilege and an honor,” Shedwick said after the show adding that ” The greatest gift we have is the difference we can make in the lives of others.”
For more information about Reptile World or to contact Shedwick, visit www.reptileworld.org.
The Crofton Town Club’s Moms-n-Tots group meets at St. Pauls Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Upcoming events for the group include a Christmas party with Santa, a pajama party and a visit from Kindermusic.
All pictures and story courtesy of
http://crofton.patch.com/