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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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
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¿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
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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
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