The BC SPCA

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April 2013

Bark for the Classroom

The spring issue of Bark! magazine is out now!

Bark cover.jpgIn this issue, readers will learn why wild animals sold in pet stores don’t make good pets.

They’ll also meet a real-life pair of rescued pigs named Charlotte and Wilbur, discover the hows and whys of cat scratching and have a chance to enter our Stamp Out Cruelty Contest.

Our regular feature, High Paws, showcases kids from around the province making a difference for animals in creative ways, and Crafty Corner demonstrates how to convert a tub into a small animal playground.

Students are sure to enjoy this colourful, informative magazine, which also includes book reviews, fun animal facts and a pull-out poster, whether they reference it for projects or read it at their leisure.

Look for Bark! on your school library shelf now or order a class set of this issue by email. Include your name, number of students, grade, school name and address and we’ll package them up and send them off to your class.

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Book Review

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

The Lorax cover.jpg

Based on the well-loved book by Dr. Seuss, the animated film The Lorax delivers a poignant message about personal responsibility for the environment.

Growing up in a town where the “trees” run on batteries, Ted goes in search of a real, live tree in order to impress a girl. With his grandmother’s help, Ted finds the Once-ler, the man responsible for the disappearance of the trees. The Once-ler tells Ted the tale of himself as a young man and the lessons that the Lorax, a creature who speaks for the trees, tried to teach him.

Meanwhile, Mr. O’Hare, who makes a fortune selling air in plastic bottles, tries desperately to stop Ted; if people know that trees can make fresh air, they’ll no longer buy it in a bottle.

Will nature prevail over the Once-ler’s mistakes and Mr. O’Hare’s greed? Packed with entertaining characters, musical numbers and an exciting chase scene at the end, The Lorax aims to inspire viewers, especially kids, to care deeply about the environment and take action to make the world a better place. Screened in the classroom and paired with environmental lessons, this film can have a particularly positive and lasting effect.

Read more BC SPCA book recommendations

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School Club Tip

The spring issue of Bark! includes animal-themed book reviews that you can share with your school librarian or use in your classroom.

animal_book_display_VPL.jpgYou can also let your librarian know to be on the lookout for a special package from the BC SPCA that will include a poster and more detailed list of books to display in May in honour of Be Kind to Animals Month. There are books for all ages and interests.

If a book review is on your assignment list in the next couple of months, consider choosing one from our recommended book list and sharing it with your class. Become an ambassador for animals by teaching others about animals and animal welfare issues.

Don’t forget to send us pictures of your projects so we can put them up on our High Paws is the BC SPCA Kids Club Hall of Fame webpage as well as enter your club into a draw for some cool prizes­­­.

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Current Events

Volunteer Appreciation Week is coming up April 21-27!

IMG_3291.jpgVolunteers are a vital part of the BC SPCA. Volunteer roles include photographing the animals for our website, socializing animals, presenting humane education programs in schools, walking dogs, fostering animals and even cleaning kennels. With these dedicated people we are able to maintain a high standard of care for the animals.

Though children can’t volunteer directly with the animals at the shelter, there are many other ways to help. Check out our school club manual or let students know about our workshops and camps just for kids.

Learn more about this news item and other BC SPCA news that you may want to include in class discussions.

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. 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.

 

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)

 

 

 

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