The BC SPCA

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January 2014

Bark for the Classroom

barkjanuary2014Look for the next issue of Bark! magazine in your school library near the end of the month.

Looking for a new art project or constructive design project that uses recycled materials? Then check out our Crafty Corner project on how to build a puzzle feeder for cats using paper rolls and cardboard. Your students may be inspired to use their creative talent to make other versions of companion animal toys or products like our Hide, Perch & Go box (see current event section).

Read about the scary but successful story of the rescue of two dogs left in a dumpster in sub-zero weather and share cold weather tips to keep animals safe and warm during the winter season.

If you are a teacher in British Columbia, and would like to order a class set of this issue, please email us. Be sure to include your name, number of students, grade, school name and address and we’ll package them up and send them off for your class to enjoy.

Remember, we appreciate any feedback on Bark! or any of our educational materials. If you have a suggestion for a story or want to share a project by a student or your class, let us know.

 

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Book review banner e-teacher

koko catKokoCat, Inside and Out
Written by Lynda Graham-Barber
Illustrated by Nancy Lane

In KokoCat, Inside and Out, Lynda Graham-Barber tells the story of KokoCat, an indoor cat who lives a comfortable life with a nice family. So what happens when one day the door opens and KokoCat’s curiosity takes her outside to explore? Quickly lost, KokoCat experiences the life of an outdoor cat. Cold, hungry and alone, she must fend for herself for the very first time. Will KokoCat get back home again?

Fast-paced and featuring illustrations that beautifully depict the difference between KokoCat’s indoor and outdoor experiences, this story gives young readers an excellent opportunity to consider whether cats are safer inside or outside.

KokoCat, Inside and Out is suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 2.

Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

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School Club Tip

cupcake day 2014Participate in National Cupcake Day and help the animals!

SPCAs and humane societies across Canada are encouraging supporters to have some fun, eat cake and raise funds for animals in need. Your club can be part of this national event. Just register online, bake and decorate, then invite friends, family, teachers and classmates to make a donation for each cupcake. National Cupcake Day is officially Feb. 24, but you can plan your event for any time in February.

Here are some tips for a successful Cupcake Day at school:

  • Make sure you get permission from your teacher.
  • Tell your parents or guardians to be prepared for a bit of baking; schools have lots of kids who love cupcakes.
  • Decorate the school with the posters you receive in your Cupcake Host Welcome Package which will be mailed to you upon registration.
  • Dress up as your favourite animal or your favourite cupcake flavour.
  • Hold a competition with an entry fee of a loonie or toonie to see who bakes and decorates the most unique cupcake.
  • Have a taste-off with the teachers as judges – or maybe the students could judge the teachers’ baking skills!
  • Check out what some school club kids did last year.

 

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Current Events

hide perch goAt the BC SPCA we are proud of our achievements to improve animal welfare. One of the ways we have seen dramatic improvement to shelter cat welfare is through the use of the Hide, Perch & Go box, developed by animal welfare scientist and former staff member Dr. Nadine Gourkow. Not only has this box saved thousands of cats from unnecessary stress in the shelter and made their transition to new homes more comfortable, it has now been awarded the prestigious animal welfare award from International Cat Care.

Read more about the process of its development through research and observation to several prototypes and adjustments to the final product and other issues to discuss with your class.

 

BCSPCA Staff: company_logo

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.

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Kindness Counts

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

 

  Companions for Life (Gr. 3-5)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

 

  You can make a difference (Gr. 5-7)

You Can Make a Difference
(Gr. 5-7)

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Cluck!

  Cluck - The life of an egg-laying hen (Gr. 4-6)

 

BC SPCA Lesson Plan: Bite Free

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

Bite Free is on the recommended resource list for Health and Career Planning for grades K-5.

 

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Shop BC SPCA

Informational DVDs and BC SPCA merchandise available at shop.spca.bc.ca

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On behalf of all the animals we care for and protect, thank you for your support.