Teacher Resources

• School Tours
• TAGG - Teens and Animals Gaining and Growing
• Classroom Presentations - Information about presentations offered by DCHS
• Kind News - Information on getting KIND News for your classroom
• Classroom Critters - Information on getting a pet for your classroom

School Tours

Come and see first hand what the humane society has to offer! Your program will include a tour, animal interaction, and a short presentation discussing responsible pet care. Learn a little history, witness the staff in action, and see all of the adoptable animals. Groups will also learn about specific animals and their care while handling the classroom animals. All presentations help participants build a better understanding between humans and animals. Tours are available for first grade and up, self-guided tours are available for pre-schoolers. Donations and wishlist items are greatly appreciated!

For more information contact DCHS education coordinator at 838-0413 x115.

TAGG - Teens and Animals Growing and Gaining

DCHS works to help at-risk teens gain compassion, responsibility, and empathy through animals. Studies have shown that teens building compassion with non-human animals tend to also build compassion towards humans. Nominated teens come to DCHS to participate in discussions and spend time socializing and caring for homeless animals. TAGG is a six-session program that benefits both animals and people! To participate in this program, teens must be nominated by their social worker. Contact DCHS education coordinator at 838-0413 x115 for more information.

Classroom Presentations

Let Dane County Humane Society come to you! A member of our Education Department will come and visit your school or organization at your request. We will teach you a little bit about Dane County Humane Society, and present a lesson of your choice. Lessons typically last 40-60 minutes. We can also bring one of our education animals to your school or organization for a visit!

The information in each lesson plan is designed for the appropriate age range. For more information contact DCHS education coordinator at 838-0413 x115.

Presentation topics include:
Animal Abuse
Animal Adaptations
Animal Careers
Animal Behavior and Communication
Animal Empathy
Animal Safety
Pet Overpopulation
Pet Responsibility and Care
Wildlife
Customized Presentations

For more information contact DCHS education coordinator at 838-0413 x115.

Kind News

Kind News is a national monthly newspaper sent to classrooms K-2, 3-4, or 5-6. nationwide. Kind News teaches children about being kind to animals, the environment and each other. For just $30 a classroom, you can help change the future!

Order KIND news today! You will receive a one year classroom subscription. Each issue comes with a teacher's guide and 32 copies of the newspaper. Teachers will also receive KIND teacher, worksheets, KIND ID cards for the students, a classroom poster, a calendar of fun facts, and tips on helping animals and the environment. Contact KIND news at (860) 434-8666 for ordering information, or visit their website at www.nahee.org. For more information contact DCHS education coordinator at 838-0413 x115.

Classroom Critters

Are you interested in a pet for your classroom? Having a pet in your classroom teaches students many humane ethics such as empathy and respect for animals. Classroom critters also teach students responsibility and how to care for animals.

But before you bring a pet to your classroom there are a few things to consider. What is the purpose of this animal? What is the age and maturity level of your students? Could they handle and care for an animal? Is your class size and setup appropriate for an animal? Do any students have allergies or a fear of animals?

And you must remember to do your research on the animal. Before adopting an animal you must determine its diet, behavior, habitat, social needs, etc. You are also going to have to determine the yearly cost of owning the pet, including food, toys, treats, vet bills, housing, and cleaning supplies. Who will care for this animal on the weekends and holidays? Students AND parents must be involved in this animals well-being. Remember that this animal requires a full time commitment! And determine ahead of time how you will integrate this critter into your daily curriculum and routine.

And before getting a classroom pet you must also seek approval. You need to receive authorization from parents, your principal or district representative in advance.

If you have done all of your homework and you think you are ready for a classroom pet, you can adopt a pet for your classroom. The humane society offers pets for your classroom. Teachers must receive written authorization from their administration and fill out a form explaining the purpose of their pet. They must also complete a form explaining the purpose of their pet and defining the sole caretaker of this animal.

The Humane Society has the right to make unannounced visits to the classroom to observe the animal and its well being. Teachers may also contact the Education Department at any time with any questions about the animal they might have.
Contact DCHS education coordinator, at 838-0413 x115 for more information.