kids

8 Videos Exploring Empathy

by Marsha Rakestraw Empathy is a key component of humane education, and something our society is increasingly recognizing as essential to our well-being and that of the world. Studies show that we’re innately wired to be empathetic. When we’re able to put ourselves in the place of another, and to imagine the kind of world…

Read more »

13 Children’s Picture Books Whose Characters Have Special Needs

Occasionally the media focuses on those with particular challenges, such as animals with special needs and people whose likenesses – in the form of unique mannequins – shed light on the meaning of “perfect.” But the truth is, positive depictions in the public sphere of people and nonhuman animals who have special needs are not…

Read more »
an androgynous model posing with a tree

5 Short Videos for Teaching Students About What It Means to Be Transgender

by Marsha Rakestraw In a recent memo, the Trump administration has argued for US government agencies to adopt an “explicit and uniform definition” of gender that would “define sex as either male or female, unchangeable, and determined by the genitals a person is born with.” As the New York Times reports, this proposed definition would…

Read more »
Two children sitting at a table reading picture books and surrounded by bins and shelves of children's books

19 Lists of Children’s Picture Books for Your Humane Education Classroom

by Marsha Rakestraw Children’s books are a terrific tool for sharing positive values, teaching students (in age-appropriate ways) about global ethical issues, and inspiring them to take positive action. They are a powerful part of any classroom and curriculum. Here’s a round-up of 19 of our lists of suggested children’s picture books on a variety…

Read more »
sea lions

Building Empathy and Critical Thinking: A Lesson About Animals

by Zoe Weil A few years ago at our Summer Residency for educators at the Institute for Humane Education, teacher and IHE grad Betsy Messenger created a lesson on animal issues that was so effective and powerful, I wanted to share it with you. She gathered our group outside and “borrowed” my dogs, whose only…

Read more »
Resources: Whom do you Pet?

Whom Do You Pet & Whom Do You Eat?

What are our relationships with different kinds of animals, and why do those relationships exist? Lead students in an activity which explores why we treat different types of animals differently, and how we can  learn to view them with different eyes. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Time: 60 minutes   Common Core Standards for…

Read more »
children & nature

Why We Need Humane Education: Study Shows Children Don’t Get Outside Playtime

Research has repeatedly shown that we need regular exposure to the natural world. We’re happier and healthier when we’re connected to the natural world. Studies also show improved cognitive function and stress management and lower obesity levels in children who get time outside. But according to a recent study published in the Archives of Pediatrics…

Read more »
¿A Quién Acaricias y A Quién Te Comes?

¿A Quién Acaricias y A Quién Te Comes?

Conduzca a estudiantes en una actividad que explora por qué tratamos tipos diferentes de animales diferentemente, y cómo podemos aprender a verlos con ojos diferentes. Recomendado para grados 5 y mayor Duración: 60 minutos

Read more »
Resources: Dare to be different

Atreverse a Ser Diferente

¿Qué es prejuicio? ¿Por qué algunas personas juzgan otras por sus diferencias? ¿Cómo podemos hacer elecciones positivas que reflejen comprensión, aceptación y tolerancia? Los estudiantes aprenderan sobre estos asuntos y tendrán la oportunidad de “atreverse a ser diferente” cambiando su apariencia por un día. Recomendado para grados 3-5 Duración: 1-2 días

Read more »
Circulo de Compasión

Circulo de Compasión

Esta actividad puede servir como un excelente  trampolín para explorar la compasión e para introducir asuntos sobre cambio social a los estudiantes. Recomendado para grados 4 y mayor Duración: 60-90 minutos

Read more »