Erase It! Animal Cruelty

Have you ever tried to take care of a sick or injured animal? It takes lots of patience and love. Help erase animal cruelty and keep animals safe from harm.

• 1.

  It is hard to believe that some people treat animals cruelly. How would you know if a pet is sick or injured? Find out if local animal shelters or rescue agencies come to schools and organizations to explain the importance of proper care of pets and all animals. Where could someone in your area report an abused animal? Learn more about the plight of abused animals in your country and around the world.

• 2.

  Share your ideas about ways we can all help keep animals safe. Create a captivating message--with words and pictures--on posterboard using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils. You might show things to be aware of in your neighborhood or publicize a pet-food drive, for example.

• 3.

  Use the eraser to remove some color and add details to your design. You could add texture and stripes to your animals and the scenes around them. You can also refill an erased area with another color or medium.

• 4.

  Display your poster to increase awareness about treating animals with respect in your community. Talk with younger children about the best ways to care for their pets, too. They’re looking up to you!

Benefits

• Students identify the signs of a mistreated animal and understand the importance of keeping all animals and pets safe and healthy.
• Students know which local agency to call to help an abused animal.
• Students create a compelling poster to increase awareness of, and action to stop, animal cruelty.

Adaptations

• Write and illustrate feelings about animal abuse. Send the posters to a local shelter or veterinarian’s office for display.
• Proper pet care is a good way to approach this topic with young children and those with special needs. If possible, share responsibilities for caring for a classroom pet.
• Gather information about ways animals are used in laboratory experimentation. Debate the pros and cons of this issue.
• Organize a day devoted to the care of abused animals. This could be done during Animal Cruelty Prevention Month or Animal Safety & Protection Month. Invite guest speakers from local animal shelters or animal rescue centers. Collect food, blankets, and toys to donate to their local shelter. Hang illustrated stories in the halls and library.
• Hold a classroom debate to discuss legal issues facing people accused of cruelty to animals.
• Assessment: Students work in small groups to present impromptu role plays about finding an abused animal and how the issue would be resolved. OR students could read original stories about treating animals with kindness or how to care for specific kinds of