Nine Ways to Stay Engaged This Summer!
Summer break is (almost) here so we’ve compiled a selection of documentaries, podcasts, books and courses for you to explore during your well-deserved time off. These recommendations cover a variety of topics related to humane education, including the human-animal bond, animal cognition and behaviour, social and emotional learning, Indigenous perspectives and reconciliation.
Do you have a resource that you think we, and other educators should check out? If so, let us know! We would love to hear from you.
*Views represented in these suggestions do not necessarily represent the views of the Alberta SPCA.
Podcasts
The Alberta Professional Learning Consortium pools its resources from across the province to host this series of conversations with educators and education-related presenters from Alberta and beyond. This podcast covers a variety of topics including Indigenous perspectives, storytelling and curriculum changes. Be sure to check out the latest episode, “David Robertson: 52 Ways to Reconcile” as well as “Indigenous Culture Based Learning with Kim Barker Kay and Jason Bigcharles.”
Animals in Translation is a podcast that brings together voices from around the world to explore animal welfare, ethics, and policy in an accessible and thought-provoking way. Each episode breaks down complex issues into meaningful conversations with experts working on the front lines of animal welfare. The global perspective reminds us that animals everywhere shape our lives and values. A great listen for anyone interested in the challenges and innovations shaping the welfare of animals around the world.
Every week, Board Certified Veterinary Behaviourist and veterinarian Dr. Katrin Jahn provides evidence-based solutions for pet behaviour problems, delivered with kindness, passion and empathy. This podcast features up-to-date informative advice on behaviour issues in dogs, cats, rabbits and other companion animals.
Documentaries
From goats helping us predict volcanic eruptions to understanding migratory patterns of birds that lead up to a hurricane, there are many things that we can learn from animals! In this episode of CBC’s The Nature of Things, biologist Martin Wikelski walks viewers through the emerging field of movement ecology. A new science that includes tracking and monitoring the movements of large numbers of animals to collect useful data to help us better understand natural disasters and wildlife conservation.
You’ve probably seen one of the many viral videos of Snowball the cockatoo ‘dancing’ to music. This CBC The Nature of Things episode explores Snowball and other animals that are affected by and respond to music. Viewers will meet researchers, scientists and musicologists who share their findings in this relatively new field of study. Findings include chimpanzees swaying to music, humpback whales creating song patterns and dogs adjusting their pitch when they howl. A free CBC Gem account is required to view this episode.
Courses
While social and emotional learning has become more common in schools, little attention has been paid to teachers’ social and emotional learning. In this free online University of Colorado Boulder course, participants will explore various rationales for why teacher SEL is needed and examine and reflect on various emotions in teaching and learning. Participants can expect to spend 10 hours completing this course.
Developed by veterinarians at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, this course addresses horsemanship from a welfare perspective, within the context of The Five Freedoms. Through the six modules you will explore equine physiology, behaviour, needs and disease management. No prior experience is required and participants should expect to spend about 20 hours completing this course.
Improving our understanding of animal welfare includes learning about their behaviour and emotions. In this free, online University of Edinburgh course participants can expect to spend about 10 hours improving their understanding of animal welfare.
Book
Playing Possum by Susana Monsó
Playing Possum is a powerful reminder that animals have rich emotional and cognitive lives, including an awareness of death that challenges long-held assumptions about what it means to be human. Through a range of stories—from elephants mourning their dead to crows avoiding sites of death—this book helps us to see mortality not as a uniquely human concept, but as a shared experience across species. This book encourages us to reflect on how animals can teach us about grief, care, and connection. This book beautifully supports our theme: animals have the power to teach, inspire and transform us in profound and unexpected ways.
Wishing everyone a relaxing summer break. We look forward to connecting with you again in September with a new theme and updated resources. In the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to us. We are available throughout the summer if you need anything.
