SPCA Visits Kindergarten

Gathering the generous lower school donations

As part of their animal study, the kindergarten students have been collecting donations from lower school families for the homeless cats and dogs of the Montgomery SPCA. For the past two months, the animal lovers have been sorting and counting the many contributions for their cause. This week the excitement was at its height as the students prepared the collection for two special visitors from the SPCA, Steve the humane educator, and his dog Faith.

Sorting and organizing the collection

Counting all of the items in the bar graph begins

Taking pride in their hard work

First, all of the donations were carried into the classroom by some very strong kindergartners. Then the students took turns sorting the food, bedding and cleaning supplies into categories to create a bar graph on the floor. Predictions were made as the mathematicians worked.

How much did we collect?
Which group has the most?
Which group has the least?

The donations came in varying sizes so it was not a true visual bar graph and the students had to work in small groups to count the total in each category.

After several re-counts for accuracy, the class came up with the following totals:

50 cat food items
22 bags of dog food
1 bottle of Febreeze
4 large bags of newspaper (the children did not want to count the newspaper!)
17 towels for bedding
17 rolls of paper towels
1 collar and leash
112 total items donated

The kindergartners were so proud of all the donations collected for local homeless dogs and cats.

Steve, the SPCA humane educator, and his companion Faith

The best part of the visit, petting Faith

 In the afternoon, the kindergarten classes were ready for their special visitors. It was so difficult for them to contain their excitement, yet the students worked hard to wait patiently and calmly! Steve and Faith arrived and began their presentation on animal safety. We learned that you must always ask to pet a dog you do not know for some animals get scared and all are not friendly. Then the children practiced folding their fingers under and putting out the back of their hands for Faith to sniff. Then using two fingers, they were able to pet her chin, stomach or head. Faith's eyes and and back could not be touched for it could startle her.

Standing like trees if a strange dog approaches

Steve then talked to the kindergarten classes about what they should do if they are chased by a dog or if an unfamiliar dog comes up to them. The kindergartners learned that they should stand very still like a tree so, of course, tree standing had to be practiced! The kindergarten students were quick and eager learners and listened carefully to the pet safety tips that Steve shared with us.

Helping load Steve's van with our donations
 for the trip back to the SPCA

Before Steve left he answered questions and shared a recent story about the SPCA. Unfortunately, over the weekend, there was a fire at their Conshohocken shelter and the animals needed to be moved  to their other facilities in Perkiomenville and Abington. We were so happy to learn that none of the animals were hurt and everyone was safe. All of the items that the kindergarten collected would go to help all of these animals while they waited for new homes. At the end of the visit, the kindergarten students proudly carried the donations to Steve's van for the trip back to the SPCA.

This project all began with a deep love for animals that arose out of an authentic interest of the children. The SPCA service learning project integrated many aspects of our curriculum as the children practiced literacy, language, art, math and social skills. Art and writing skills were utilized as individual collection boxes and posters were created to start the project. Speaking skills were strengthened as kindergarten friends went to lower school classrooms to share their idea and ask for help from others with the collection. Cooperative social skills were necessary as students worked together to organize and sort items. Math skills were evident as a graph was created, predictions were made, and then data interpreted.

The power of the children's passion for animals was expressed fully and actively as they engaged in this experience. Empathy for animals and their needs was clearly evident and with individual and collaborative efforts, the  kindergarten students were able to put a voice to their ideas and make a difference in our world. The kindergarten students thank all of you who contributed generously to the SPCA collection. Remember if you would like to adopt a cat or dog, look to the SPCA for their homeless cats and dogs make wonderful pets!

Thank you!

Love,
Kindergarten