The Humane Treatment of Animals: A Guide for Elementary Teachers. NY State Education Dept. Level 1 Pre School-Kindergarten: |
Please note: all text in italics was taken directly from the out of print 1976 NY humane education curriculum guide Topic/House Pets - Companion Animals Understanding - Dogs & cats are common American companion animals. Activities - Post pictures of companion animals. After the children have had the opportunity for free discussion, survey the class to find how many children have cats or dogs. Elicit the role of the pet in family life. Supplemental Information - Cats and dogs have been domesticated over the years to serve as house pets.
Understanding - Companion animals require responsible owners (guardians). Activities - Encourage the children to talk about their pets. Discuss the needs of their pets and the the way the children can help in their care. Have the children look through magazines for pictures of pets. Draw their attention to illustrations depicting care and training. Supplemental Information - A happy house pet is one that is well cared for and knows what is expected off him (consistent, firm, kind training). Consult the library for appropriate books and media.
Understanding - Pets need human attention. Activities - Have children act out how they think a pet feels when: lost, hungry, sleepy, alone, with people, in pain, afraid, happy, playful, naughty. Supplemental Information - Animals know fear, pain, happiness, loneliness, shame, pride.
Understanding - Veterinarians can help sick or injured animals. Activities - Encourage the children to talk about a visit to the veterinarian. Invite a veterinarian or shelter worker to visit the class to discuss how s/he helps animals. Supplemental Information - House pets are taken to the veterinarian for preventative and curative purposes. Often a sick or injured animal will bite or scratch. Remind the children that they should not touch a disabled animal, but seek help. Remind children that human medicine can hurt an animal and pets should be taken to the animal hospital immediately if they are sick or injured.
Understanding - Laws exist for animals protection. Activities - Invite a police officer or animal warden to class to explain local animal laws. Discuss with the children how and why people must use their knowledge to protect animals. Help the children learn their addresses and phone numbers. Explain how a dog's licence tag tells who the dog belongs to and where it lives. Supplemental Information - Most communities have laws concerning reporting of accidents involving animals and mistreatment of animals, as well as animal control laws such as leash laws, penning and transporting animals, and using animals for work or entertainment.
Understanding- Animals require kind, gentle treatment . Activities - Explain the basics of kindness and safety around animals. Animals communicate and it is important to pay attention to these cues to prevent bites and other injuries. Supplemental Information - Each year approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, ranging from minor nips to major attacks. Dog bites can be prevented and must be taught to keep children safe.
Understanding - When a house pet has a litter, homes must be found for the young. Responsible pet guardians spay/neuter their animals to prevent litters. Some locales have laws requiring sterilization. Activities - Discuss with the children how they acquired their pets. Talk about the difficulties involved when their pet has a litter. Supplemental Information - Spaying and neutering are the most humane way of eliminating the problem of unwanted puppies and kittens. Low and no cost sterilization is available. Rabbits should be sterilized too. Visit www.rabbit.org for the most authoritative rabbit care information.
The following topics from the guide will be added shortly: Animals in Their Natural Environment Animals in Society Animals in School See also Humane Education Resources page for teaching guides, lessons and additional materials including audio visual materials. Level 2 Grades 1, 2 & 3: House Pets - Companion Animals
back to main ny curriculum page
|