Rethinking Farm Animal Intelligence: A guide for teachers
If you ask any dog or cat owner if their pet is smart, you will likely get a resounding, ‘Yes!’ We are keenly aware of how clever our companion animals are – and most young people believe pets have their own minds with thoughts and feelings.1 However, when it comes to farm animals, we are less […]
Humane education… in music?
I recently gave a presentation to a group of teachers on incorporating literature to foster positive attitudes, empathy and knowledge related to animals, people and the environment (humane education!). We discussed how humane education concepts from wide array of books can be woven into many different subject areas from language arts and science to art […]
The promise, some pitfalls, and how to practise EMPATHY
Empathy is our theme for this year and a core focus of humane education. Empathy has been shown to improve communication skills, prosocial behaviours like cooperating, sharing, and helping and reduce bullying. But empathy is complicated as we don’t always apply it equitably to people or animals. This blog dives into the different dimensions of […]
Recommended Summer Reads (and Listens)!
Hello teachers! With summer around the corner, you might be looking for some interesting books that you will finally have time to read or audio for the car, on a walk, or just relaxing at home. Here are a few suggestions that will challenge your understanding and thinking about animals, people and the environment, and […]
Attitudes Towards Animals: What message are we sending?
I hate to admit it, but I’m not a fan of spiders – and that’s putting it mildly. I don’t like how they mechanically dart around with their eight hairy legs, staring at me with their multiple orb eyes. They just creep me out. But other than their unworldly appearance – which they can’t help […]
A Message for Teachers:
Dear Teachers, Thank you for your hard work and dedication to students in this exceptional time. The need for caring for others is becoming ever more salient and we recognize and value the important role of teachers and learning communities in proving support and care that impact students, families, and the greater community. With this […]
Why Curiosity Matters
Curiosity is powerful. It encourages us to ask questions, seek answers, think critically, and find solutions to problems both big and small. It helps us to be open to others, build understanding and foster empathy – and it needs to be nurtured. Astrophysicist and science educator, Neil deGrasse Tyson has lamented that “kids are born […]
Summer Reads for Teachers
We usually highlight great animal-themed books for your students, but this list is just for you! The following suggested reads span fiction to non-fiction and are guaranteed to kindle your curiosity about animals and spark reflection about our relationship to them. Saving Manno by Spencer Sekyer (autobiographical, Canadian) Spencer Sekyer is a Sherwood Park teacher who […]
Animals in the classroom: Responsibilities & Rewards
Mrs. Ainslie-O’Connor is a seasoned grade three teacher who has incorporated classroom animals in her teaching for about 10 years. I met with Mrs. Ainslie-O’Connor in her brightly lit grade three classroom in Spruce Grove and was introduced to some of her furry – and not so furry – friends. She has a six-year old guinea […]
The Rise of Alternatives
Technology is paving the way for advances in science and medicine, and providing opportunities for learning, through the use of alternatives. From Organ-on-a-Chip to a virtual dissection table, superior methods to the traditional use of animals for education and research and being created and implemented. In science classrooms, dissection has been a popular activity since […]
