We’re the Bearer of Kind News
by Wendi Piscia | June 20th, 2018 | 10:40 am
A key part of our Humane Education program is bringing Kind News into every Napa County elementary school. In just six pages, Kind News uses fun stories, pictures, activities, and games to help children better connect with animals and each other. Mrs. Veveiros and her class at Phillips Magnet School were one of 119 classrooms we stocked with the magazine this last school year, and it looks like they enjoyed it!
Kind News is a nonprofit educational magazine originally started by the Humane Society of the United States, and now run by RedRover. Written specifically for elementary students K-6, it teaches children about animal behavior, pet care, generosity, and compassion. Each issue has entertaining stories, activities, and games about topics like behavioral challenges, how animals play, or kids who are making a positive difference in the lives of animals.
The stories encourage kids to put themselves in someone else’s shoes (or paws), and try to understand how they feel. A recent issue told the story of a dog named Summer who had to be temporarily evacuated to an animal shelter during Hurricane Harvey. Summer had some separation anxiety living in the shelter without her person, but ultimately the two were reunited in a tail-wagging finale. The Kind Questions asked kids how they feel and behave when they are nervous, as well as ways they could have tried to help Summer feel less anxious.
Kind Kids’ publisher provides downloadable lesson plans, home discussion guides, and additional games and activities on their website, so teachers or parents can expand on the themes of each issue. In short, it’s a fantastic resource for teaching kids compassion – and teachers love it!
During the 2017-2018 school year, our Humane Education program ensured that all 30 Napa County elementary schools had their own subscription to the magazine. We brought Kind News to 3332 kids!
The cost of these subscriptions is money well spent, but we can’t spend it without your support. Please consider a donation to help us continue to teach our children the importance of compassion, kindness, and respect.
