In addition to participating in the AnimalTales program, Miss Moore’s grade 1 class researched different kinds of pets and the care they required. They also researched where pets come from and where they go when their owners can no longer care for them. Their research included books, videos, and a field trip!
The students were involved in the adoption of Miss Moore’s bunny, Henry from the local SPCA. They assisted Ms. Moore in researching how to care for pet rabbits, including their required food, habitat and enrichment. Students helped to create a shopping list and built a play structure out of rabbit safe materials. After the adoption, students asked to visit where Henry came from, and Miss Moore set up a field trip to the local SPCA! Students learned about the animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds, who were all waiting for their second chance.
Following their trip to the SPCA students decided they wanted to do something to help the SPCA and other local animal rescue organizations. They learned that saving animals costs a lot of money! With that information, students decided to run a bottle drive, collect donations and host a Candy Cane-O-Gram fundraiser, raising over $250. They donated large boxes of donations full of food, cleaning supplies, toys, bedding and treats to the SPCA, APARC (Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre), and Cleo’s Karma. They also gave Cleo’s Karma a $150 donation to offset a veterinary bill for a dog that required surgery.
The class learned that animal organizations are always in needs of supplies and money and they should continue their fundraising efforts. They are now in the process of brainstorming even more ways that they can support homeless animals on their journey to finding their forever homes.
