The Animal Connection Jr. for Pre-School – 2nd Grade
Learning through kindness
The four-week Animal Connection Jr. program is delivered in the classroom. Interactive presentations using games and other activities assist in teaching the curriculum and reinforcing the humane lessons. The presence and use of registered therapy dogs captures the attention of students and excites them about learning important topics related to compassionate animal stewardship and personal safety. A special reading comprehension section is included.
Week One: Humane & Compassionate Animal Care
This presentation helps children recognize that what makes people happy and healthy is also what makes animals happy and healthy. Emphasis is placed on the need for: shelter, food, water, health care, exercise, hygiene, education, play and love. Participation in games, activities and “grooming” a registered therapy dog reinforce this recognition.
Week Two: Staying Safe with Animals: Loose Dog Safety and Bite Prevention
This presentation introduces students to understanding how animals communicate with us. The concept of fear-based “flight vs. fight” is taught as well as when an animal should not be disturbed. Children learn safe manners around friendly animals and how to protect themselves from loose dogs and dogs that bite. The children practice these skills with registered therapy dogs.
Week Three: Read to Rico!
Through a partnership with Grey 2K USA-Worldwide, copies of the children’s book, Pele’s Forever Home, are made available to each student. The children read the book out loud to a registered therapy greyhound. This heartwarming story about a dog who longs for a “forever home” elicits understanding and empathy from the children while providing an experience that improves reading skills through positive reinforcement.
Week Four: Down on the Farm
Empathy is developed through compelling stories about humane relationships between farm animals and their care-takers. While playing with a large, to-scale farm and ranch set, students learn interesting facts about these animals and the care they need.
