Pawsitively Enlightening: Humane Education Inspires Roosevelt Elementary School
Kindergarten Students Learn the Importance of Caring for Our Furry Friends
Who knew learning about pet care could be such a blast? Recognizing that education is the key to creating a positive connection between people and their pets, the shelter’s Humane Education program has consistently encouraged compassion and respect for all living things.
Maggie Gipson, humane education coordinator at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, presents to Melissa Pick’s kindergarten class at Roosevelt Elementary School.
Getting Curious About Caring for Animals
Inside the kindergarten classrooms of Keisha Moore and Melissa Pick at Roosevelt Elementary School, the Humane Education program took center stage for a day, transforming learning about pets into a fun and engaging game while emphasizing the core theme of instilling care and compassion for animals. The experience was not only educational but downright heartwarming.
The Humane Education Team sparked curiosity by presenting bags filled with supplies for different pets—dogs, cats, and rabbits. Laughter and excitement filled the classrooms as the students guessed the contents. As the students guessed the purposes of each item, they gained insight into the significance of pet care, covering essentials like food, water, toys, and most important – love for pets.
Through this exercise, young minds began to understand the similarities between the basic needs of pets and humans, reinforcing the idea that our furry friends deserve kindness and respect.
Students share their newfound understanding of pet care and compassion for animals.
Pawsitive Learning
Timing is everything, and our visit to Roosevelt Elementary aligned perfectly with the students’ ongoing unit on “what living things need.” As a culmination of their learning, students in each classroom created vibrant posters showcasing what animals need to thrive. These posters became the focal point of a presentation that the students confidently delivered to their peers, teachers, parents, and community members.
Vibrant posters created by Melissa Pick’s kindergarten students.
From Little Steps to Giant Leaps
The impact of our Humane Education presentations goes beyond the classroom. As evidenced by the heartfelt thank-you posters and cards from the students, the program has left a lasting impression. One of the kindergarten teachers, Melissa Pick, expressed, “My kids loved having you (as did I). We learned a lot from the coloring pages, too!” The genuine appreciation and positive feedback underscore the meaningful connections forged during our visit.
Compassion just takes one spark of inspiration!
A heartfelt thank-you card from the students of Melissa Pick’s class.
A poster created by students in Keisha Moore’s kindergarten class.
Join Us in Creating a Kinder World for Pets
At the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, we are committed to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and values needed to create a more compassionate world for animals. If your school or community organization is interested in hosting a Humane Education presentation, explore our Humane Education program or contact us at [email protected]”.
Together, let’s create a brighter future for pets and the people who love them.
