IHE: How and why were you drawn to humane education?
MW: I’ve always believed in the humane treatment of animals, but my passion for animal welfare issues was sparked about 8 years ago when I adopted my first pet, a highly opinionated cat I named Sass. I believe one of the most important things young children should learn is RESPECT – for their school, each other, their parents, other adults, and that includes animals. Not just the animals that may be living in the home, but all animals…even bugs. Learning compassion and empathy at this age, while they are just learning to gain their independence and starting to feel like they are “getting bigger,” is important to their emotional growth. Utilizing principles of humane learning helps them understand that they can become the caregivers, as well as learn that there is a world outside of their own.
In many preschool settings, teachers are told what curriculum to run in their classrooms. With the founding of my own school, and with my knack for cleverly writing my own curriculum units that reach preschoolers in a fun and engaging way, I have the freedom to teach the things I feel are necessary for a strong early educational experience.
IHE: Tell us about some of the humane-themed lessons you've used.
MW: “Funny Farm Gone Wild” is a summer curriculum program we created in 2007. Unlike the regular school year where lessons are built around numerous themes lasting 1-2 weeks, our summer program focuses on a single theme for the entire three months.
The goals of the curriculum program are to learn 1) what “endangered” means, 2) the plight of certain endangered species (loss of habitat, poaching, pet trade, etc.), and 3) what our preschoolers can do to help.
The Funny Farm Kids (ages 3-5) become Eco Rangers in a summer adventure to save the planet and rescue endangered species. During the summer, we transform our school into our Eco Ranger Station base camp complete with medical center, survival gear, walkie-talkies, and other necessary tools of the trade. At the start of each week, our Eco Rangers receive a call from Eco Headquarters on their walkie-talkies about an animal that needs their help and then it’s “Eco Rangers to the Rescue” as they gear up to follow clues to the animal’s location and the danger the animal is in.
The idea for this program came from pairing a natural love for animals with this age group. Kids are eager to help if you just ask them. This seemed like a perfect solution to tapping into these young “superhero wanna-bes,” while teaching them about the world (and species) around them.
During the regular school year we incorporate humane learning in other curriculum units, where appropriate. For example, in November our turkey unit takes inspiration from the children’s book ’Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey and Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey program. Children in the classroom learn to care for a small flock of adopted turkeys (stuffed animals) shifting the emphasis from what we eat at Thanksgiving. In February, our Dramatic Play area in the classroom is transformed into an animal shelter with pretend cats, dogs, lizards, frogs, even rabbits, as well as all the necessary care items needed to find proper homes for each of them.
IHE: What evidence do you have that students are internalizing humane principles?
MW: Where do I start? If a teacher knows how to present the material, then kids will respond. The kids all become VERY attached to the stuffed animals we bring in to teach humane principles. As with our summer curriculum, the stuffed animals that have been rescued take on a very real role in the classroom. Giving each its own name and personal story, they are handled respectfully and cared for with a sweet tenderness.
Recently, one of our dads shared that during a weekend of weeding in the yard, his daughter insisted on inspecting each dandelion before it was plucked so as not to “destroy habitat” of any creatures that might be living on it. Examples like this one are proof that the learning is sinking in.
IHE: Congratulations on being this year's winner of the National Kind Teacher Award! How did that come about?
MW: I was nominated for the award by a board member – who is a staunch supporter of animal welfare issues – who thought I should be recognized for my efforts regarding humane education with preschoolers. I was very honored to receive the award and very appreciative of the recognition. It was a great confirmation to have our efforts recognized.
IHE: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start his/her own humane education preschool?
MW: Keep in mind that humane education is important and can be incorporated into any school. It takes someone with passion for animal welfare and a knack for reaching little ones in a creative way.
~ Marsha
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