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.
Getting a Pet!
Listen to a story, learn about the needs of animals, and play and interactive game.
ELEMENTARY
Supplies:
- pencil
- paper
Here are two different stories about getting a new pet.
Instructions:
Are You Ready For Me?
- Owning a pet is a big responsibility! Listen to the following story:
- Are You Ready For Me? (5:53)
- The story shows the many needs that dogs have. Make a list of everything you noticed (dogs need to be walked, veterinary care, etc.).
- Can you think of any needs the video missed? If so, ad it to your list!
- Draw a picture of all the things (from your list) that are needed to properly care for a dog.
- Hang the picture on your fridge or in your window for everyone to enjoy!
Ginger
- Adding a new animal to the house takes careful consideration. Listen to the following story:
- Ginger (3:33)
- List the kitten’s behaviours that were displayed in the book. Were these ‘naughty’ behaviours, or just cats being cats (acting naturally)?
- Some people don’t like some behaviours that kittens do (like scratching the furniture). What are some ways the cat can still do the behaviour, but are more acceptable to people (getting a scratching post)
- Create a ‘How to’ when meeting someone new! This could be a new pet in the family, a new sibling, or a new student at school. Focus on ways you can welcome that new person/animal and how to be a good friend.
Resources:
- For more short videos on responsible pet ownership click here.
Challenge!
- Take this fun and interactive quiz to see how well you know the needs of animals!
Meeting The Five Freedoms!
Watch a video and create a poster.
UPPER ELEMENTARY/JR. HIGH
Supplies:
- paper
- crayons, pencil crayons and/or markers
Instructions:
- The Five Freedoms are internationally recognized, and are used as goals or ideas when thinking about meeting the physical and mental needs of animals. Watch the following video:
- The Five Freedoms (1:00)
- How do you meet The Five Freedoms for your pet? Create a poster illustrating how your family meets your pet’s Five Freedoms.
- If you don’t have a pet, pick an companion animal that you are familiar with or that you think is interesting.
- Display the poster on your fridge or in your window so everyone can see how you care for a pet.
Resources:
- For a more advanced look at the Five Freedoms, watch this video:
- What are the Five Freedoms? (3:10)
