Teach Kids to Care Programs

Power in Numbers: The Basics of Forming a Youth Animal Protection Club
Classroom presentations, animal shelter tours, and other traditional humane education programs have long been considered the keys to striking at the roots of cruelty by reaching children. Humane advocates can take youth outreach a step further by actively engaging young people in their work. This workshop will discuss the unique power of young advocates, the myriad benefits of youth clubs to humane organizations, and the basics of forming groups of children that support humane organizations, raise public awareness, and help shape public policy for animals.
Available as an online course

School Realities: Obstacles and Opportunities for Humane Education
Today's educational climate might make humane educators think twice before heading into the classroom. This workshop will explore why school-based humane education is worth the effort, how humane educators can use education standards to their benefit, and why character education is the best fit for humane education in school curricula. The workshop will also discuss the benefits of partnering with schools to capitalize on service learning programs and how to expand your outreach to teens.

Classroom Presentation ABCs
Animal control professionals and humane educators agree: It’s not enough to correct the problems of irresponsible pet ownership through law enforcement; it’s also essential to educate the public—including children—about proper pet care. In this workshop, animal control officers and other shelter personnel will learn the best ways to approach schools, plan and schedule classroom presentations, and conduct fun-filled programs on responsible pet care for children in grades K-8.
Available as an online course

Reach a Teacher: Forming Successful School Partnerships
How can you reach more children more consistently with less time, effort, and money? By reaching their teachers! This how-to workshop will instruct participants in the development and presentation of workshops designed to introduce classroom teachers to humane education. Included will be a discussion of procedures for arranging in-service programs and demonstrations of fun, lively activities to present at your in-service workshops. You’ll come away from this presentation armed with the knowledge, materials, and confidence you need to conduct effective teacher training in your community and beyond.
Available as an online course

Rebels with a Cause: Reaching Teens through Service-Learning
Are teens the self-absorbed, downbeat, disaffected group they’re often accused of being? No way! Teens care, and this workshop will show participants how young people can contribute to humane organizations in ways that don’t have to involve handling animals or working on-site. The presentation will focus on service-learning, a component of school reform that mingles community service with academics. Today, service-learning programs exist in all 50 states and offer an excellent recruiting strategy for organizations interested in developing or expanding youth programs. Attendees will learn how to capitalize on the exciting opportunities offered by service-learning and how involving teens in everything from fundraising to pet adoption programs can invigorate any animal care or control operation.
Available as an online course

Simon Says, "Let's Be Kind to Animals"
This workshop demonstrates a host of activities to help participants address young children's varied learning styles and introduce concepts like kindness to animals and responsible pet care to the preschool set (children ages 3-5). Come prepared for fun!
Available as an online course

Tales Kids Tell: A Humane Educator's Role in Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
“My dog had an accident on the floor and went to bed without dinner.” Those of us working with youth often hear and see indicators of potential violence in the home. These are prime opportunities for intervention. This course will discuss the problem of childhood/family cruelty to animals, how to recognize that cruelty is happening in a child’s home, and proactive solutions including youth outreach, humane education, and community partnerships.
Available as an online course

Humane Education and the Magic of Story
Stories have been used since ancient times to entertain, awaken the imagination, and impart moral virtue. In this fascinating workshop, participants learn how and why stories work their magic and go home with the skills and materials needed to create memorable humane education activities that will educate and captivate.
Available as an online course

The Character Connection
Fueled by reports of bullying, school violence, and a general moral decline among our nation’s youth, the modern character education movement is blossoming. What does that mean for humane education? Plenty! Participants in this workshop will learn how to turn our schools’ renewed focus on the Golden Rule into a golden opportunity for giving humane education a more prominent place in the classroom. The program includes practical strategies for partnering with schools and a wealth of information on using humane and animal-related lessons to enhance character education curricula.

Play it Safe with Dogs
Each year, about 5 million people in the U.S., most under the age of 13, are bitten by dogs. Dog bite injuries are a leading cause of emergency admission of children to hospitals. The good news is that most bites can be prevented. In this workshop, you'll learn about exciting strategies and materials for teaching children safe behavior around dogs.