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December 2019
 Empathy is a core tenet of Humane Education. Seeing and understanding emotions in others, sharing in those feelings and responding appropriately demonstrates empathy.
This key skill can be taught and learned by students and educators alike.
As teachers, we often work with student behaviours that can be distracting, challenging and even disruptive. In this short video, a teacher turned a child’s distracting habit into a rewarding career. This inspirational tale reminds us that every student has a story, and when we approach that student with empathy and understanding, we can make a big impact on a child’s life.
Similarly, our ability to empathize with an animal’s experiences can allow us to have a powerful effect on their life. In the hands of a dedicated and empathic owner, Emily has transformed. A once frightened Bernese mountain dog rescued from a Langley puppy mill, Emily now serves alongside her dedicated owner as therapy dog for children’s hospitals. This story is an inspiring example of how an individual can make a world of difference to one animal, or indeed one child’s, life.
 The Watcher
written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Reading level: Grades K-3+
Every child who is fascinated by watching animals around them will be inspired by reading The Watcher by Jeanette Winter. This beautifully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young Jane Goodall and how she went from a “watcher” to a world-renowned primatologist who has dedicated her life to learning from and protecting primates.
This book is a simple read for beginner readers, with illustrations that tell the story as well, but will also appeal to children of all ages. There is much to talk about with older children, who can discuss young Jane’s methods of getting close to the chimps. Her patience in waiting for them to come to her is a lesson for children who wonder how to best interact with their own pets and other animals in the world. Most of all, children can see themselves in young Jane and be inspired to make a difference in their own way, as the story humanizes the almost mythical Dr. Jane Goodall and turns her into a curious child to which they can relate. This award-winning book belongs in every animal-loving classroom!
Read more reviews of our recommended books.
 Winter Paw-liday Safety
The holidays are a lot of fun for humans, but can be dangerous for our furry friends! Here are some tips on keeping animals safe this winter holidays:
#1: Tree safety Keep the decorations on the tree up high. If you have a live tree, sweep up the pine needles. They can stick into your pets paw pads or puncture their intestines if eaten. Only put water in the tree stand, any additives could be harmful if your pet laps it up.
 #2: Keep lights out of reach
Be sure to keep lights up high away from
your animals. They can get tangled and burnt. Use a circuit breaker on
the lights to prevent any electric shocks.
 #3: Gift-wrapping
Keep your pets away when wrapping presents! Ribbons, string, tape, and wrapping paper are all dangerous if swallowed.
 #4: Chilly, dark, winter walks Watch out for salt on the ground. Wipe or wash their paws when you get home. Be sure to keep your pet visible by putting on a flashing light or collar.
Find out more ways to keep our pets safe at www.spca.bc.ca/news/holiday-pet-safety. For your next meeting, try coming up with ways to educate your community on how to keep pets safe for the holidays! Send us pictures of your informative projects and you could be featured in the next Bark! magazine!
 Students spend lots of time on YouTube, but did you know that the BC SPCA has its own YouTube channel? Watch our Tip Tuesday series for everything from holiday safety for pets to proper kitten-lifting techniques! Warm your heart with animal adoption stories, get inspired watching videos on animal welfare topics and educate yourself about issues facing wildlife. There is something for everyone. It is full of short informational, touching and funny videos that have been pre-screened for correct and appropriate content.
**Teachers please note, the Giant Men Tiny Cats video under Videos We Love, there is one use of inappropriate language.
Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.
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The BC SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate animal issues and information into existing provincial learning outcomes.
Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.
Kindness counts
(Primary)
Bite free
(Primary/intermediate)
Making the right choice
(Intermediate)
You can make a difference
(Intermediate)
The farm-food connection
(Intermediate)
Cats in the community
(Intermediate)
Including animals in social justice
(Intermediate/Secondary)
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