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What is Two by Two Kindhearted Kids Humane Education Program?
| The Kindhearted Kids Humane Education Program reflects the highest values of our society and is based on National Educational Standards. Celebrated veteran teachers have created a well-researched and thought-provoking program that addresses ethics and character formation as students examine companion animal issues currently facing society. Taught by certified teachers and accompanied by a Delta Society assisted-therapy trained dog, the Kindhearted Kids program is modeled after Expeditionary Learning, a hands-on, project-based, interactive learning model.
A concern of many educators is: "There is not enough time in the daily curriculum to incorporate character education." The pivotal element of the Kindhearted Kids program is that it is cross-curricular, incorporating reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, guidance, health and wellness, music, and art throughout five one-hour lessons. This program teaches character education in a multi-disciplinary format, incorporating mandatory academic skills that are tested as a result of the “No Child Left Behind Act."
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"What better way of teaching children the fundamentals of good character than with one of their all-time favorite topics: animals. When it comes to teaching core skills and core values, animals can capture a child's attention, imagination, and heart in ways that other subject matter may not."
- National Association for Humane and Environmental Education: 2004
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What does it look like in the classroom?
Throughout a five-day simulation, second grade students become Foster Pet Parents where they receive and care for a stuffed dog or cat. After each lesson, students will transport their pet from school to home in an adoption pet carrier, which also contains their daily Kindhearted Kids Pet Journal. The daily journal will serve as a learning tool to accomplish the following cross-curricular objectives:
- Use writing skills to summarize their experience at home with their new companion animal.
- Use lesson vocabulary words, such as "empathy" and "respect," within their writing assignments.
- Read fiction and non-fictional books with family members about pets and animal care.
- Incorporate math strategies using manipulatives to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets and to determine medical and daily care costs.
- Actively involve students in drama when teaching the Golden Rule.
- Communicate essential pet safety tips expressively through song, poetry, and artwork.
- Facilitate parental involvement with discussion of the responsibilities and care needed to be a successful pet owner.
Two by Two Kindhearted Kids Humane Educational lessons will eventually be expanded throughout all grade levels, including high school students, at-risk and special needs students, and organized youth groups, such as the Boys and Girl Scouts.
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