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June 2021
by Claire Buchwald and Sarah Buchlaw, illustrated by Rebecca Evans Reading level: K-3 This beautifully illustrated story highlights the importance of cherishing and protecting our fur-bearing animals. Looking at his various stuffed toys, Noah goes to bed wishing that he too could have a beautiful, soft coat like them. As he drifts off to sleep, Noah’s bedroom begins to fill with trees and grass as we enter the world of his dreams. In his dreams, Noah’s bear Bella and his other stuffed friends come alive, and alongside them, he explores their natural habitats, and how their unique fur coats allow each animal to thrive in the wild. Noah awakens the following morning with an appreciation for these wild animals, their beautiful coats and how vital fur is for bears, seals, foxes and other wild animals. Arriving at the conclusion that unlike him, animals need a fur coat, Noah has a deeper understanding of what it means to cherish and respect fur-bearing animals. This book is a gentle introduction for young readers to the importance of respecting and protecting fur-bearing animals. It handles a difficult topic at an age-appropriate level, engaging the reader with beautiful, vivid illustrations and facts about each animal. The publisher offers a classroom guide to complement the book, providing suggestions for group reading and prompts to deepen the discussion. Read more reviews of our recommended books.
Most students know about Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teen who has spearheaded the climate strike movement. There are also many inspiring young Canadian activists, like Anishinaabe teen, Autumn Peltier, who fights for clean water for Indigenous communities, or Anastasia Castro and Charlotte Brady, founders of the Plastic Free Schools movement on Vancouver Island. Youth who want to speak out about issues can sometimes be overwhelmed by the question of where to begin. Our Advocacy 101 activity gives them the next steps, laying out some best practices to encourage them to be proactive, to educate themselves about an issue they care about, and to speak up confidently to others. They will use their voice and their mighty pen (or keyboard!) to create a letter advocating for change on their selected issue and talk about how their letters can have the greatest impact. Our BC SPCA classroom presentations You can make a difference or Social Justice can also be good starting points as students dive into topics of animal welfare like puppy mills, fur farming, large scale agriculture and animal testing. Youth who feel empowered will gain confidence and satisfaction knowing that their voices can and should be heard!
Not only is it a concern regarding COVID, but Dr. Dubois also notes that a 2020 poll conducted by the public opinion firm Research Co., found that 85% of the population of B.C. are opposed to killing animals for their fur. “Having been on these fur farms and seen the conditions firsthand, I can attest that the practice is inherently inhumane and subjects animals wild in nature to treatment that no B.C. resident would tolerate,” says Dubois. “Fur farming exists in direct opposition to the values of British Columbians.” Introduce this action item to students who are interested in animals and want to start on the path into advocacy. Please voice your concern to the government today to end fur farming in B.C.
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Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.
Kindness counts
Bite free
Making the right choice
You can make a difference
The farm-food connection
Cats in the community
Including animals in social justice |
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You are receiving this BC SPCA e-Teacher newsletter to because you have subscribed or are affiliated with a BC SPCA School Club. Login to update your contact information and email subscriptions or unsubscribe (we're sorry to see you go!). On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support. |
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