by Mandy Donoghue

Created on: January 26, 2009

There are five milestones children reach during their preschool years. They understand the concept of time. They recognize physical differences and similarities. They are able to relate to other people socially. They play with other children. They learn to share and cooperate. Animals can help children meet these stages of child development.

Each milestone has significance for humane educators and should be considered when planning a lesson. Some ways these milestones can be utilized in humane education lessons are as follows:

Concept of time Caring for Animals

Preschoolers are beginning to understand how time works during the day, week and year.
They understand that people tend to follow a schedule. Grasping this notion will help preschoolers understand that animals also need a schedule.

Divide a classroom board into morning, afternoon and night using pictures to help children differentiate the time of day. Hold up individually laminated picture cards including foods, books, toys, people, school buildings, playgrounds, etc. Ask children where they think the items belong based on how their day is structured. Using magnets, let children take turns putting pictures in the correct categories.

Ask students what types of pets they have if any. Generally, the responses include animals like dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, fish and rabbits. Relate the animals to the children's schedule emphasizing the importance of regularly feeding animals and providing fresh water, exercising pets and spending quiet time and play time with family companions.

Physical Differences and Similarities Respecting Animals

Preschool age children begin to notice and identify differences and similarities. Have children pair up similar animals (commonly wild versus commonly domesticated) and then talk about how they are the same in some ways but also different. Some combinations may include wolves-dogs, cats-tigers, hamsters-rats, parakeets-bald eagles, goldfish-grouper, and rabbits-hares.

Sometimes children and adults show compassion for domesticated animals but not creatures typically out of sight. I think this will show that our pets and us are connected to a greater nature outside our homes and backyards.

Social Preventing Animal Cruelty

Preschoolers are social because they can now relate to other living beings and empathize. I would use this milestone to read the story, Buddy Unchained. This book will lead into discussions about how animals have feelings like people. At the end suggestions are given

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