"Teaching Kindness: How children learn to become animal advocates"
By Rikke Jorgensen
Bark Magazine - Issue 54, May/Jun 2009
http://www.thebark.com/content/teaching-kindness-0


"Teaching Kindness: Resources for parents & teachers"
By Rikke Jorgensen
The Bark, Issue 54, May/Jun 2009
http://thebark.com/content/teaching-kindness

This is a great resource Amy. Thank you for posting "Teaching Kindness: How children learn to become animal advocates."

I am constantly amazed by children's interest in animals. There is a a true magic in their engagement. I was touched by the efforts of the Forget-Me-Not Farm that was highlighted in the article. My hope is that every child is given ample opportunities to experience the wonder that comes with learning about, interacting with and caring for animals.

Let's keep the conversation rolling. Please feel free to share other interesting articles about humane education and teaching kindness towards animals.

-Karly

I recently read How to Read Aloud: Tips for Modeling Fluent Reading by Linda Starr posted on the NEA Web site.

The reading strategies in this article closely align with the reading techniques used in the HEAR program. Starr talks about discussing the cover of the book and asking the children to predict what they think the book will be about. Asking open-ended questions about the illustrations and about what might happen next or about how a character feels are also suggested.

Check out the
How to Read Aloud Article and tell us what do you think?

We'd love to hear from you!

-Karly

I've been a teacher for 10 years and have used the techniques from the How to Read Aloud article successfully with children from Preschool through 8th grade. Having the conversations before, as well as after reading, really sets the listeners up for critical thinking.

I had also noticed many of the same things relayed in the Humane Education - Teaching Kindness article, which led me to creating a "Pet Care and Training" summer camp which has filled for 2 summers now. I use books from the HEAR program, show bite-prevention video, organize crafts, and schedule the zoo, dog trainers, stable owners, and service dog organizations to speak with students. It's a HIT!

Hi Suzy,

Thank you for your post. Working with children from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, you must have many experiences reading with children.

How have children's responses differed across these age groups? What have you noticed about young children's answers to questions versus older children's answers? Do you have any experiences you would like to share about different techniques that you use while reading to help children develop their critical thinking skills?

-Karly

Great news!

The following article was just released by the Associated Press about United Animal Nations' (UAN) Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) program: Pet-focused reading program aims for empathy.

A big thanks to HEAR volunteer bj Altschul for arranging the HEAR visit highlighted in this article. Thank you also to teachers Heather Bracken and Diane Tunis for agreeing to be interviewed by the AP reporter, Linda Lombardi.

Tell us what you think? Does the HEAR program have others listening in your community? You might consider forwarding this article to other interested individuals to help us get the word out about the HEAR program.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

-Karly

Hi Everyone,

I have heard from many people lately that the recent AP article: Reading program helps kids develop empathy for pets has been featured in their home town publications.

Has your local newspaper featured a story about United Animal Nations' (UAN) Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) program recently? We would love to hear from you and learn about the many communities this article has reached.

Thanks!

-Karly

Here's a link to an article about open-ended questions: Open-Ended Questions: Stretching Children's Academic and Social Learning

This article was adapted from a book called The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language That Helps Children Learn, by Paula Denton, EdD.

We would love to hear what you have to say! What do you think about this article?

-Karly