In my 'real' job I work with people who want to become better educators. We talk about academic disciplines and trends in teaching and learning. How do people learn? How can you get deeper learning, the kind that's not forgotten after the test? I believe part of the answer is making connections on an emotional level.
Whenever possible, I like to find connections between my day job and my passion for animal welfare. I share the things I'm doing on social media and I have little trinkets in my office about what my interests are, from legislation against puppy mills to the reasons garbage kills bears. (You didn't know? I'll tell you more about that soon, or you can Google it!)
But sometimes, just finding a connection with someone is as easy as talking to them about their own pet or their children's fascination with a certain animal. These things are all connected. Yes. A person's love for their dog can be the bridge to an understanding of why humane treatment of farm animals is the way of the future. It all starts with conversations and building relationships.
Here's a few ideas to ponder with your own children, students, or volunteer group:
-Talk with your children or your students about what an animal needs to thrive and survive. Start with a what pet dog or cat needs, not just to live, but to be fully alive. You can tie this into a lesson about dog bite prevention by beginning with "pets in your neighborhood" and then bring in everything a pet needs: toys, bowls, leash, carrier, brush, food, water, and a stuffed animal to role play with. When I lived in Memphis I did this with Professor Paws and Ona Cooper. We went to elementary schools. What happened? THEY LOVED IT. They wanted to see it all, touch it all, and tell you about the pets they know. Then you can talk about the flip side: what to do when a dog you don't know approaches you. The role play can continue and you can also ask them to reflect on this lesson for several days, and then again a week or a month later. You'll be surprised at how much they remember, because you affected them emotionally: feelings of love, and memory (Grandma's dog who died, etc.), and also working through fears. Strong stuff, and the way to pique an interest in learning more about animals.
-Join PP FB page for more discussion on how to add little bits of humane education into your life with little people:
Professor Paws Facebook Page
-For me this photo says it all. Build a little habitat and talk about the possibilities of each creature there. What is their life probably like? Do they have what they need? What could make their lives better? What role should humans play in protecting animals? Any age can start to form an opinion on this topic, and be guided towards more humane thinking.
Link to the Wilderness Habitat photo and related post
Summer is a great time to brainstorm ways to add more humane education to your life and the littles around you. Let me know in the comments what you plan to do!
