Goal
To understand what a pet is and why pets need appropriate, loving, and responsible care.
Content
The focus of this lesson is domesticated animals, primarily those we call pets. Children are asked to think about what defines a pet and why we keep pets. The animated feature contrasts the treatment given to two different dogs, one of whom is chained outdoors and ignored, and another with whom a child is playing inside the home. The feature encourages children to ask what a pet needs in order to be happy. Additionally the film, It’s a Dog’s Day, illuminates the theme of care and compassion. There is also a worksheet accompanying Activity 1 titled May I Meet the Dog? available for download that teaches children how to approach a dog safely. In this lesson:
- Children will recognize the physical and emotional needs of animals who are pets. Children will develop character and a sense of responsibility by learning that pets require care and protection.
- Children will develop empathy for animals by seeing how their own needs and happiness are similar to those of animals.
- Children will learn about the joys of having the companionship of domestic animals.
Click here to view California Standards Alignment.
Next: Lessons & Videos
Mow Wow Glossary
Click here to download a worksheet for students to answer questions that contain a Glossary word or expression.
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aggressive – hostile; wanting to attack.
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care – attention; help; act of watching over a person or animal.
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companionship – a relationship in which people, or people and animals, are friends and care for each other.
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domesticated animal – an animal who is tame or trained to live in a human environment or be useful to people. Some domesticated animals are pets. Others are farm animals.
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exercise – physical activity, often a healthy physical activity.
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feeling – sensitivity; emotion.
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guard dog – a dog who protects people and property from harm; watchdog.
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healthy – producing or leading to good health such as healthy food, healthy air, healthy activities.
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pet – an animal kept for companionship; a companion animal. Some domesticated animals are pets.
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purr – to make a soft vibrant sound. Cats purr when they are contented, and they also purr when they are frightened or not feeling well.
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sociable animal – a friendly animal; an animal who enjoys being with people and other animals.
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training – the process of teaching a skill or a behavior.
Click here to download a worksheet for students to answer questions that contain a Glossary word or expression.
Suggested Online Resources
Suggested Books
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Can I Have a Pet?, Gwendolyn Hudson Hooks
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Guinea Pig, Angela Royston
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Hamsters, Jennifer Blizen Gillis
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Farm Animals, Nancy Dickmann
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Kamie Cat’s Terrible Night, Sheila Hamanaka
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Pablo Puppy’s Search for the Perfect Person, Sheila Hamanaka
Note: The above books are available in Spanish-language editions.
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The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas, Benjamin Alire Saenz
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My Cat, Boots/Mi gatita, Botas: A Bilingual Storybook, Darleen Garcia Gardner