Hares and Geese and Skunks, Oh My! Cohabiting with wildlife this spring
Spring is the time of year when grass turns green, flowers begin to bloom, and plants start to sprout. It is also a time of year when many wild animals in Alberta have their offspring. Cohabiting with wildlife is a reality for Albertans throughout the year, but spring presents some unique challenges for people and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Animals and Remembrance Day
This Remembrance Day marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. Over 650,000 men and women from Canada served in this war, with 66,000 of those making the ultimate sacrifice. That is one in ten people who never returned home to their loved ones. Working alongside these brave men and women were […]
Every One Counts Contest Prize Recipients!
We are happy to announce the prize recipients of the Every One Counts contest! Many of the entries were strong contenders, so to say it was a difficult decision would be an understatement. The three entries selected to receive a prize did a great job of telling us why the animals count and what actions […]
4- Freedom from Fear and Distress
This week we will be discussing the fourth of the Five Freedoms: the freedom from fear and distress. This freedom is about providing animals with conditions and treatment that do not cause them to suffer mentally or physically. Read the following blog with your students to learn more! Have you ever heard strange noises at […]
3- Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease
Welcome back to our Five Freedom series! This week we will be covering the third of the Five Freedoms: The Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease. This freedom is all about preventing health issues in domestic animals, and rapidly diagnosing and treating them when they do occur. Read the following blog with your students to […]
2 – Freedom from Discomfort
This week we will be discussing the second of the Five Freedoms: The Freedom from Discomfort! This freedom is all about ensuring we provide domestic animals comfort which is achieved in different ways. Read the following blog with your students to learn more. At the end of a long day, where do you want to […]
