Pet Care & Responsibility

Grades: K-3

Time: 30-45 minutes

Objective:  To help students recognize and explore basic pet care/responsibilities

Subject Areas: Language Arts, Life Science

Supplies:

• “Mystery Pet Items” box: Tape shut a medium-size box, decorate entirely with colorful animal pictures, cut a moderate-size hole in the top and fill with various pet care items such as a leash, collar with tags, food and water bowls, paper-framed pet photo (for records/lost pets), small first aid kit, brush, pet care book, etc.  Be sure items are clean, in good condition, and colorful.

• Chalk/chalkboard or markers/posterboard
  • OR
• Age-appropriate pet care film

• Age-appropriate pet care/responsibilty activity hand-outs

• Your contact/organization information (brochure/newsletter)

Animals:

• If possible, bring along a friendly, well-adjusted live animal for the presentation.  Always ensure the animal's safety and comfort.

• If bringing a live animal is not possible or appropriate, use stuffed animals as an alternative for the last activity.

Program:

• Introduce yourself/organization; inform students of the goal of your visit and gently remind them that you will need their full attention.

• Ask the students about their pets.  To help keep stories to a minimum, use close-ended questions and have students raise their hands in response.  For the younger students, make it fun and interactive by asking them to "tug your ear, squish your nose, pat your head," etc., "If…you have a pet? you know someone who has a pet? you have a cat/dog/other?," etc.  Mix it up!

• Using the Mystery box, have one student at a time select an item and explain its importance for taking care of animals.  Take suggestions from the audience and elaborate as appropriate.  4-5 items maximum is generally suffice.  Leave the items on display nearby for later.

• Using the chalkboard/posterboard to document responses, ask students to brainstorm other items/pet care responsibilities not discussed from the Mystery box game.  This activity is a great way to encourage abstract thinking (such as the concept of love).
  • OR
• Show an appropriate pet care/responsibility film to reinforce the Mystery box game and cover other aspects of pet care.

• Bring out your animal friend (be sure the animal is kept in a safe place up to this point).  Prior to, gently remind students of expected behaviors.  Briefly share your friend's story, and then ask the students to discuss the animal's specific care:
  • If needed, use the Mystery box items/brainstorm list as prompters
  • Emphasize the animal’s features, such as long fur, height, species (hamster, lizard), etc., which can effect type of care
    • OR
• Stuffed animals are a fun and suitable alternative to a live animal for this last activity; variety provides an opportunity to explore uniqueness of care for each "pet"
  • Time and age warranted, you may even want to break the students into 3-4 groups, assign them a different "pet" each, ask the groups to explore and document their animal's specific care/responsibilities, and share the results!

• Be sure to thank the students and teacher for welcoming you and your friend(s)!  Provide follow-up activities and contact/organization information to the teacher.

Remember to relax and have fun!