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Quote of the Week
"Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way" - John Muir
Teaching Kids Compassion Towards Animals
"Teaching kids to have compassion and empathy for their furry, feathered, and finned friends is vital for preventing cruelty to animals as well as in raising them to respect and treat those who are different from them with kindness. According to the National PTA Congress, “Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind, and considerate in their relations to each other. Character training along these lines will result in men and women of broader sympathies; more humane, more law abiding, in every respect more valuable citizens.” [read more]
Reading Corner
 Title: Do Animals Have Feelings Too
By: National Geographic Learning
Ages: 4 and up
Why? "This collection of true stories of animal behavior is not only captivating and thought-provoking, but also a terrific way for teachers and parents to have children to consider feelings--whether animal or human. A young antelope was being dragged into a river by a crocodile. A nearby hippopotamus saw what was happening and charged the croc, which released the antelope. The hippo gently pulled the antelope up the riverbank, comforting and protecting it until it died. Was this compassion? A zoo monkey routinely used a banana to bribe a moose to carry him across a moat designed to keep him confined to a small island. Was this cleverness?" - Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be The Change
We are all surrounded by tiny little friends feeling comfortable in their large spaces of existence. Next time you see some ants at the park or in your garden, you could encourage your child to feed them some bread crumbs. Or if you see any dead bugs, spiders or moths around, invite your kids to gracefully dig up some soil and place them inside the hole, instead of brushing them out with a broom. You'll be surprised to see how these little acts of love can teach children to become more sensitive towards every living being, whether a plant, an animal or a fellow human being.
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