For the past few weeks, K-2nd grade students in HEART’s Helping Others Club in Chicago have been learning about what companion animals need to be happy and healthy. Students loved learning how – just like people – animals need food, water, shelter, regular visits to the doctor, toys and love. As a culminating activity, students created dioramas that depicted what a happy, healthy home environment looks like.
Using shoeboxes, felt, paper, markers, and magazines, our students constructed everything a dog or cat could need in a home. Through this process they were able to learn more about proper care for their companion animals and educate others on the needs of cats and dogs. Most importantly, students realized that humans and animals are remarkably similar. And therefore, that making sure that an animal’s needs are met is a top priority.
But don’t take our word for it: check out these photos of our students’ dioramas.
This activity and dozens of other interactive lessons about protecting animals will be featured in our Humane Education Resource Guide that is to be released later this year. If you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to receive this free resource guide and other important news from HEART, sign up for our email list here.