Developing a sense of responsibility is a critical component to character and citizenship education. Learning about and recognizing the value of responsibility can empower students to make good choices for themselves and consider how their actions affect others, animals and the environment. In terms of animal care, being responsible is crucial as animals rely on us to meet their needs—every day, for their entire lives.
I Want a Dog!
Watch a video and draw a picture.
ELEMENTARY
Supplies:
- pencil
- paper
- crayons, pencil crayons and/or markers
Instructions:
- Part of being responsible is setting and meeting your goals. Watch the following video:
- I Want a Dog (10:13)
- May walks her roller skate, like she would a dog. Why do you think she does this?
- Throughout the story, May focuses on one goal – getting a dog! List the steps that May used to accomplish her goal.
- What is one goal that you have? List the steps you need to take in order to accomplish your goal. Share your goal with a family member.
- Draw a picture of your goal!
The Five Freedoms in Action!
Become a photographer while reviewing The Five Freedoms.
UPPER ELEMENTARY/JR. HIGH
Supplies:
- digital camera or a device that takes photos (i.e., phone or tablet)
- pencil
- paper
Instructions:
- On a piece of paper, write down each of The Five Freedoms in one column, and how you help your pet meet each freedom in the other (Hint: Look at the poster you made last week!). This is your ‘Shot Sheet’.
- Using your ‘Shot Sheet’, attempt to take a photo of your pet each time one of their freedoms is being met (i.e., your cat eating, your dog lying on a comfy bed). Remember to not disturb your pet!
- At the end of the week, compile all your photos together into a collage.
- What freedom was met the most? Why?
- What freedom was met the least? Why?
- Which freedom was most difficult to photograph?
Resources:
- To familiarize yourself with The Five Freedoms, watch the following videos:
- The Five Freedoms (1:00)
- What are The Five Freedoms? (3:10)
