Kids' Programs
- Details
- Category: Programs
Our Pet Professor Humane Education Program features engaging lessons on various aspects of our relationships with animals. Safety, responsibility and compassion are the messages conveyed through programs that are as interesting as they are fun! If you don't see exactly what you are looking for, give us a call. We are very flexible and love to work with kids of all ages.
To Schedule a Program
In-shelter programs run between an hour and an hour and a half and may be scheduled afternoons on Tuesdays through Thursdays. All programs start between 12 and 3:30 pm and conclude by 4:45 pm. The minimum number of participants is 8, maximum is 20. Donations of $3 per child to cover program materials, along with items from our Wish List, are appreciated. For groups unable to make a donation, programs will be provided free of charge. To schedule a program, call the Humane Education Manager, Kim Jess at (518) 374-3944, ext. 119. Please make requests at least a month in advance of your desired date. Programs at your location are also available. Call for more information.
Programs Available All Year Round
For Young Children
Sharing Sam – Designed for preschool and kindergarten age children, Sharing Sam is a 45-minute program that features a short story and an interactive visual presentation to introduce young children to the concept of caring for animals. Concludes with a tour of the shelter.
Elementary-Aged Children
Pet Care and Responsibility – Offered at two levels, Early Elementary (K-2) or Elementary (Grades 3-6). Programs at the elementary levels typically include an animal-themed craft; interactive lesson on animal shelters and pet care and responsibility; and a tour of the shelter. They last a little over an hour, depending on the size of the group. We conclude with a short story discussion or story and particpants leave with a goodie bag with assorted information to take home.
Middle and High School Students
Programs at this level encourage discussion and critical thinking and also introduce community service opportunities. We can meet with individuals or schedule a group multi-media presentation in a variety of animal-related topics, including:
> What is the APF's role in the community?
> The pet overpopulation crisis and the importance of spaying and neutering
> Careers with animals
> The differences between open admission and limited admission shelters
> Animal abuse and neglect
> Issues affecting animals in our community
> What can you do to help animals in need?
To download a printable Pet Professor brochure, click here.
To schedule a program, call the Humane Education Manager, Kim Jess at (518) 374-3944, ext. 119. Please make requests at least a month in advance of your desired date. Programs at your location are also available. Call for more information.
Attention Teachers and Parents: here are some great sites for activities and lesson plans for kids!
www.kindnews.org
NAHEE's website for elementary-school children features games, stories, project ideas, and more fun for kids.
www.animaland.org
The ASPCA's humane education site is a fantastic resource for learning about pet care, exploring animal careers and learning about all types of animals, from A-Z.
www.avma.org/careforanimals
The American Veterinary Medical Association's site has worksheets and activities that teach kids how to care for pets and much more.
www.nahee.org
The National Association for Humane and Environmental Education (a division of HSUS) has lots of info for teachers and students on many animal and environment related topics; kids' links too.
www.humaneteen.org
NAHEE's website for middle- and high-school students features downloadable study and activity guides, guidelines for forming a club, and more.
