RHODE ISLAND SPCA
Humane Education
School Programming
We are eager to kick off our new classroom programs this March! Programming will consist of a 45-55 minute program taught by one of our RISPCA humane educators. You may even get to meet a furry or scaly friend.
We have a variety of programming to fit every school’s needs, ranging in ages from early-childhood all the way to high school. Check out the descriptions and lesson plans below and fill out this form if you are interested in having the RISPCA visit your classroom!
*If there is a specific topic you would like to learn about that is not listed here, feel free to reach out to us with your ideas!
Pre-K through 2nd Grade
Animal Empathy
What is animal empathy? How can we show kindness to our animal friends as well as each other? This program takes a social-emotional approach to learning how to respect animals and each other.
Pet Responsibility
What do you need to take care of a pet? What should you do if you see a stray animal? All animals (including us!) need food, water, and shelter in order to survive. How can we make sure that our pets are receiving all these things?
Upper Elementary through High School*
Bite Risk Prevention Program
What we know and understand about interacting with dogs is constantly changing as we learn more about animal behavior and the science and psychology of animals. This program will explore safe, appropriate ways that we need to interact with dogs in order to ensure both our safety and theirs.
Animal Careers
Are you interested in a career working with or around animals? From Shelters to Zoos, there are many different opportunities for you that can all make a difference in the lives of animals (and people too). Learn from one of our educators about the different steps you can take to set yourself up for success, while meeting one of our animal ambassadors.
Animal Welfare & Pet Responsibility
Special Guest Tammy Mello, our Animal Welfare Officer will lead this program in speaking about her role as an Animal Welfare Officer at the RISPCA. Students will learn about what her job entails, as well as learn about the basics of pet responsibility. If students are middle to high schoolers, we will also be exploring local laws and regulations regarding pet ownership, and what they can do if they see an animal in need.
Pet Overpopulation
This program will lead students through an overview of how we are facing an overpopulation crisis when dealing with animal rescue and shelters. Students will explore different avenues for preventing overpopulation and learn how the RISPCA plays a role in saving lives.
*Each lesson will be presented with age appropriate content.
*NEW Library Programming
This program is geared towards children 3-5 years old and focuses on humane education. Topics discussed include kindness and empathy towards animals, as well as how you can help homeless pets in your community!
A special shelter pet will join the guest reader and a fun craft will be provided after the story!
The topics will rotate between 6 humane education goals:
Choosing the Right Pet
Pet Overpopulation
Responsible Adoption
Pet Identification
Pet Responsibility
Showing Animals Respect
To inquire about our Humane Education department coming to a library near you, please submit a form here
Our Humane Education Mission
It is our mission to teach people of all ages to understand and care for the animals in our lives as well as to foster compassion, respect, and empathy for all living things.
For questions or programming ideas, please contact our Humane Education Department at (401) 438-8150 x4 or email HumaneEducation@rispca.com