Teacher Resources

• Participate in our school fundraiser - Pennies for Pets!
• School Tours
• Classroom Presentations - Information about presentations offered by DCHS.
• KIND News - Information on bringing an award-winning classroom newspaper to your students!
• Classroom Critters - Information on getting a pet for your classroom.
• TAGG - Teens and Animals Gaining and Growing

School Tours

Come and see first hand what the humane society has to offer!  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 all ages and usually take about one hour. Preschoolers will participate in a shorter tour and a hands-on activity. A donation is requested based on the size of group and length of tour.  For more information contact the DCHS Shelter Educator at esteinwehe@giveshelter.org or (608) 838-0413 ext. 115.

Classroom Presentations

Let Dane County Humane Society come to you! A member of our Development 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. 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.

Presentation topics include:

• Animal Abuse
• Animal Adaptations
• Animal Careers
• Animal Behavior and Communication
• Animal Safety
• Habitats
• Pet Overpopulation
• Pet Responsibility and Care
• Wildlife
• Customized Presentations

A donation is requested based on the length of presentation. For more information contact the DCHS Shelter Educator at esteinwehe@giveshelter.org or (608) 838-0413 ext. 115.

KIND News

KIND News is an award-winning classroom newspaper that teaches children the value of kindness toward one another, animals, and the environment. It includes lessons in all major K-6 subject areas and is aligned with Natonal Education Standards. KIND News is published in three editions for different reading levels: Primary (grades K-2), Junior (grades 3-4), and Senior (grades 5-6). Ask the Shelter Educator to see her sample copy! For more information, visit www.humanesociety.org/youth

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! Please determine ahead of time how you will integrate this critter into your daily curriculum and routine. Before getting a classroom pet you must also seek approval from parents and your principal or district representative.

If you have done all of your homework and you think you are ready for a classroom pet, you can adopt or foster a pet in your classroom. Teachers must receive written authorization from their administration and fill out a DCHS foster application. They must also complete a clasroom pet contract which defines their responsibility for the animal. DCHS has the right to make unannounced visits to the classroom to observe the animal and its well being. Teachers may also contact the Development Department at any time with any questions about the animal they might have. For more information, contact the DCHS Shelter Educator at esteinwehe@giveshelter.org or (608) 838-0413 ext. 115.

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. For more information, contact the DCHS Outreach and Annual Giving Supervisor at jlussier@giveshelter.org.