Random Acts of Kindness Week – Why you should participate
Random Acts of Kindness week is in full swing (February 9-15). With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now is as good a time as any to commit to acts of kindness. Start small – pledge to do one daily act of kindness towards animals, people and the environment for a week. To make a bigger […]
“It Was Just a Pet” – Helping students deal with pet loss
“Tomorrow will be my first day ever without him. I’m going to miss Jasper so, so much… Today was the hardest day of my life.” Marjorie Blain Parker, Jasper’s Day Pets can enrich the lives of children – they are playmates, friends and sources of unconditional love. They teach responsibility, compassion and caring for another living […]
Christmas Bird Count Underway!
…and is a great way to observe wildlife in your community! The Audubon Christmas Bird count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, and this year it takes place December 14 to January 5. Families, students, scientists and birders from beginner to experienced make up the participants who collect important data which help […]
Honouring and Remembering Animals that have Served
Remembrance Day is a time to recognize, appreciate and remember those that have served and continue to serve our country in the past and present, and in times of war and peace. Included with these brave men and women are animals that have served alongside them. Delivering messages, providing security, rescuing wounded, carrying supplies, detecting […]
Empathy – Do we need to teach it?
In Alberta’s most recent ministerial order on student learning, the government identified fundamental learning goals for students to ensure a prosperous and positive future for our province. We need to aim to “inspire all students to achieve success and fulfillment” and to reach their full potential by being “engaged thinkers and ethical citizens with an […]
Ugly Human or Humane Hero?
There was a popular novel in the 1960s called The Ugly American, about U.S. expatriates in south-east Asia. The title phrase has come to be interpreted as representing ignorant attitudes sometimes displayed by rich westerners when they travel to poorer countries in the south – those who don’t bother to learn the customs or language […]
Humane Heroes – Past, Present and Future
We’ve all heard of humane heroes – people who have made a huge difference in the lives of animals, people and the environment; Jane Goodall, Temple Grandin, and Grant MacEwan are just a few examples. These individuals have made the world a better place and are a huge inspiration to many. Although we’re aware of […]
Five Fun Finds for February!
There are lots of opportunities to learn about animals, foster empathy and engage your students. Follow us on twitter or join our facebook group to regularly receive suggestions and ideas. 1. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count: (February 14-17). It can take as little as 15 minutes! It’s free, fun, easy—and your students can […]
From Cats to Cattle – Animal Protection in Alberta
Animals surround us – in fact at least 56% of all Canadian households have a dog or a cat. This means that likely half of your students have at least one pet in their home with animal ownership likely increasing for students living in a rural setting. With so many animals relying on us to […]
What Should I Know About Zoo Field Trips
Resources What Should I Know About Zoo Field Trips