in the Classroom

The BC SPCA has classroom resources for grades K-7. The lessons integrate animal issues and information into existing provincial learning outcomes. Bite Free is on the recommended resource list for Health and Career Planning for grades K-5. 

Click on a lesson plan below to learn more.

Kindness Counts
(for K- Gr. 2)

Companions for Life
(Gr. 3-5)

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

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

  Bite Free (K - Gr. 5)

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December 2012

Holiday Crafts for Kids

Looking for a new activity for kids this holiday season? Here are some ideas for crafts that kids can make for their pets – or their favourite pet lovers:

Pet picture frames -These can be decorated with dog biscuits, foam letter cut-outs or anything that fits on the frame.

Pet treat recipes - Not quite a craft, but for those who like to bake there are many great pet treat recipes online.

Cat wand toys - This is a favourite toy for cats, and is easy to make. Students simply tie a strip of fleece around a chopstick, leaving one end dangling. For extra pizzazz, students can try cutting the fleece into smaller strips, braiding it, tying knots in it or even adding a pipe cleaner spider. Once the finishing touches have been added, this toy is ready to be swatted, batted and snagged by a cat!

Pet picture decoration for the Christmas tree - This craft requires some fine motor skills so it is most suitable for kids ages 10 and up.

To make a picture frame, students start by drawing an image on paper and then tracing it onto the centre of an aluminium pie plate with a ballpoint pen.

Next, they cut out the centre of the pie plate, plus a smaller circle in the middle where their pet’s picture will go. To finish, students will glue their favourite photo to the back of the plate, then poke a hole at the top for a piece of string. Now this unique decoration is ready to be hung on the Christmas tree!

Second Chance: A Tale of Two Puppies
by Judy Masrud, illustrated by Cathy Pool

Second Chance tells the parallel stories of two dogs from the same litter who end up in very different homes.

Andrew and Matt, boys from separate families, both want a dog. Before Andrew’s parents allow him to adopt a puppy, he proves that he is ready for the responsibility by dog walking and dog sitting for neighbours. Matt, on the other hand, learns nothing about caring for or training a dog before adopting; his parents simply give in to his pleading for a pet.

Over the next year, Andrew trains his dog, Boomer, using positive reinforcement for good behaviour. Matt sends mixed signals to his dog, Chance, by encouraging bad behaviour at certain times, then scolding it later; Chance becomes confused and Matt begins to see him as a “bad” dog.

Featuring useful training tips interspersed with the narrative, Second Chance is a terrific book for anyone thinking about getting a pet in general, and a puppy in particular.

Get more BC SPCA book recommendations online.

School Club December Tip

Want to give a shelter cat a warm fuzzy over the holidays? Make a fleece blanket – perfect for a cat to snuggle up in a Hide Perch & Go box. Fleece blankets are easy to make because they don’t require any sewing.

Just cut a piece of fleece 48 cm x 37 cm and then cut 8 cm fringes on all sides.

You can tie knots in the fringes for an added touch or, to make a thicker blanket, tie two blankets together.

This YouTube video has a great demonstration on how to make it.

Happy Current Events

Not all news is bad news. In this issue we want to direct you to our Happy Endings section of our website.

Here you will read about some of the great matches that have been made between humans and their new found furry companion. These stories are heart-warming and will make you and your students smile.

This month’s feature Happy Ending is Gizmoe, a lovely little pug from the Kelowna shelter. He and his guardian make a perfect match. Learn more about Gizmoe's story and other Happy Endings stories to share with your class.

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Please do not reply to this email, as it is for distribution purposes only. If you have comments or questions about this newsletter or related information, please email Paula Neuman, Humane Education Supervisor.

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

spca.bc.ca