AnimalSmart™ Primary Lesson Plans
AnimalSmart™ Primary – Grades 1 -3
A research-based, anti-bullying, empathy-building learning resource dedicated to educating young children in the knowledge and understanding needed for respectful animal care. The Ontario SPCA AnimalSmart™ lesson plans support children and their families in developing and maintaining positive relationships with pets by:
- helping children to develop the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills they need to become responsible, loving caregivers
- fostering positive relationships with pets to enhance children’s social and emotional growth and development promoting the fair and humane treatment of pets
- highlighting the importance of safety and the prevention of pet-related injuries to young children
- meeting grade-level curriculum expectations from the Ontario Ministry of Education
Lesson plans are organized around four interrelated Strands which provide a comprehensive and integrated foundation for teaching and learning.
Students engage in active learning as they take on the challenges of:
- conducting investigations
- examining perspectives
- interviewing experts
- classifying and categorizing information
- formulating guiding questions
- gathering and organizing data
- drawing conclusions and making judgments
- sharing their thinking and their learning
Primary Strand and Lesson Titles
| CARE AND COMMITMENT | CHOICES AND DECISIONS | EMPATHY AND RESPECT | RELATIONSHIPS |
| Choose with Care | Exploring Feelings | T.R.U.S.T. | Be Prepared |
| Know and Do | Friends Forever | Safe Spaces | Watch and Listen |
| Take a Guess | Thinking it Through | Depend on Us | Safety First |
| Summative Task: Caring for Your Pet Commercial |
Summative Task: All About My Pet |
Summative Task: Pet Owner Interview |
Summative Task: Write All About It! Pet Safety |