Hamster goes home with children every weekend

Question
Hi there.  I'm doing plenty of research before purchasing a Syrian hamster for my class.  They are 7/8 years old and are all very keen in acquiring a little "hammie".  I would like to know if by sending the hamster home in his cage every weekend to a different child each time will cause stress on the animal?  I want to teach them responsibility and half of the excitement and duty is to take the hamster home on weekends to look after him.

Answer
Having a new home every week can be stressful, but here's some tips to make sure it's less so.

Make sure every child treats the hamster with respect. One bad child who takes the hamster and tires it out or wakes it up when it's sleeping can ruin it's attitude to everyone. Just teach them to respect the hamster, and it will grow to enjoy everyone's company.

Also, make sure each child chooses the quietest room in the house for the hamster. Although it's fun to have the hamster in your room, the noises and lights will be different for each kid. Keeping the hamster in a quiet room at each house will make sure it has an equal, stress free experience with each child.

Lastly, I would buy one bag of food for the class, and give each kid only the amount they need for the weekend. It makes sure every home is giving the hamster the same food, and the same amount.