Lesson 6: Positive Interactions
This lesson will explore the importance of positive interactions with animals. Watch the ‘Five Needs of Animals – Positive Interactions’ (5:14) video. There are two video options for this lesson: Interactive or Normal. The interactive version has questions built into the video that students answer as they watch. You can watch as a class and answer together, or have students watch the video on their own/in small groups and answer the questions individually. The normal version is just the video and has no questions.
Post-Video Discussion Questions
- What makes a good friend? Considering others’ feelings, kindness, listening, showing appreciation, compassion, empathy, etc.
- How can you make friends? Introduce yourself, saying hello, inviting others to join activities, etc.
- How would you feel if someone that you didn’t know came up into your personal space? Do you think animals share this feeling?
- What are some ways you can let someone know if you don’t feel comfortable in a situation?
- What are some ways animals can let people know they don’t feel comfortable in a situation? Body language, growl, bare teeth, bark, bite, etc.
- Why is it important to let an animal decide if they want to interact with us or not? What should we do if they don’t want to? Forcing an animal to interact with someone could lead to the person and/or the animal getting hurt. If an animal does not want to be interacted with, we should leave them alone.
- Why do you think animals learn better with treats, pets, toys, etc.?
- Can you think of a time where you might have interacted with an animal in a way the animal might not have liked? If you could go back in time, how would you interact with the animal knowing what you know now?
Post-Video Activities
1. Role Play
Often, when we see dogs, we get excited and pet them, without thinking about what the dog might want! As a class, go over Sophia Yin’s guide to greeting a dog (and what to avoid). In pairs or small groups, have students pick an interaction for them to role play (the incorrect interactions as well as the correct human to dog interactions) for the class. See if students can guess which human to dog interaction is recommended! After each group presents, have a discussion on why some interactions are recommended and why the others should be avoided.
2. Giving Advice
Describe the following scenario to students: A new student has moved to your community from another planet! They do not understand how humans interact!
Brainstorm a list of advice you would give this new student on how to be kind, make friends, and positively interact with other students and teachers in the school.
Curriculum Connections
Science
General Learner Expectations: The child demonstrates curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn about the environment and community.
- Specific Learning Expectations: The child:
- shows awareness of similarities and differences in living things, objects and materials
- becomes aware of the relationship between cause and effect
General Learner Expectations: The child explores familiar places and things in the environment and community
- Specific Learner Expectations: The child:
- recognizes familiar animals and their characteristics and surroundings; e.g., farm and zoo
Health and Life Skills
INTERACTIONS
- Students will:
- R-K.5 identify ways of making friends
- R-K.6 demonstrate a positive, caring attitude toward others
Science
- General Learner Expectations: Students will:
- 1-4 Demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways.
- Specific Learner Expectations: Students will show growth in acquiring and applying the following traits:
- a sense of responsibility for actions taken
- respect for living things and commitment for their care
- Topic E: Needs of Plants and Animals
- General Learner Expectation: Students will:
- 1-11 Describe some common living things, and identify needs of those living things.
- Specific Learner Expectations: Students will:
- 1. Observe describe and compare living things.
- 6. Identify the requirements of animals to maintain life; i.e., air, food water, shelter, space; and recognize that we must provide these for animals in our care.
- General Learner Expectation: Students will:
Language Arts
3.4 Share and Review
Share ideas and information
- Share ideas and information form oral, print, and other media texts with familiar audiences
Health and Life Skills
INTERACTIONS
- Students will:
- R-1.5 identify the characteristics of being a goof friend
Science
- General Learner Expectations: Students will:
- 2-4 Demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways.
- Specific Learner Expectations: Students will show growth in acquiring and applying the following traits:
- a sense of responsibility for actions taken
- respect for living things and commitment for their care
3.4 Share and Review
Share ideas and information
- Share, with familiar audiences, ideas and information on topics
Health and Life Skills
INTERACTIONS
- Students will:
- R-2.5 demonstrate ways to show appreciation to friends and others
Science
- General Learner Expectations: Students will:
- 3-4 Demonstrate positive attitudes for the study of science and for the application of science in responsible ways.
- Specific Learner Expectations: Students will show growth in acquiring and applying the following traits:
- a sense of responsibility for actions taken
- respect for living things and commitment for their care
Language Arts1.1 Discover and Explore
3.4 Share and Review
Share ideas and information
- Organize and share ideas and information on topics to engage familiar audiences
Health and Life Skills
INTERACTIONS
- Students will:
- R-3.5 develop strategies to build and enhance friendships
