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Today's children will soon share in the responsibilities of building a more compassionate community. The Animal Protective Association of MO is here to help them understand and learn the value of living with companion animals.

While discussing the many joys of the human animal bond, we also seek to help our children understand the problems of animal cruelty, companion animal overpopulation, euthanasia and pet abandonment. It is our mission to educate children and adults as we construct a more humane life for pets and people.

Our Humane Education Department provides interactive presentations to students in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Click here to see how our courses are aligned with Missouri Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). Presentations are also available for adults. A partial list of programs is below.

Our modest program fees assist in covering our costs for materials. If you would like us to come to your location, groups of 1-40 students are $50.00 per presentation; groups of more than 40 are $65.00 per presentation. There is a .50 mileage surcharge for locations over 15 miles from the APA. If you choose to come to the APA for your presentation, the fee will be $50. Each presentation includes take-home educational materials. Special arrangements can be made for low-income organizations. For more information or to schedule a class, contact Michelle Kodner, at 314/645-4610 ext. 120.

K-1st Grade
"Kind Story Time"
Reading a story with a humane theme is a wonderful way to help children foster a love for all living things. We will share a book with your students, followed by a discussion or activity.

2nd-5th Grade
“A New Friend For Life”
This program can help prevent animal neglect by teaching pet care skills and responsibility. Children learn how much it costs to have a pet and what supplies they will need. This presentation shows us why we must be fully committed to our companion animals when they become part of the family.

2nd-6th Grade
"Don’t Shop – Adopt!"
An estimated 30 million puppies and kittens are born each year in the U.S. In this course, students use math and reading to make conclusions about the sources of animal overpopulation and learn three simple steps to reduce it.

2nd-6th Grade
"Dog Bite Prevention"
Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. seeks medical care because of a dog bite. Together, we can reduce the number of dog bites in our community. During this fun and interactive presentation, students learn the different ways dogs communicate, the appropriate way to approach a dog, and the correct actions to take if they are approached by a stray dog.

2nd-6th Grade
"It Just Makes Sense"
In this interactive program, kids experience how animals use five senses to survive in their environment. As we discuss the differences between animals’ senses and ours, kids learn to treat animals with kindness and respect.

5th-8th Grade
“Critter Science”
Charles Darwin, Louis Pasteur and Jane Goodall, three scientists of different genders and cultures, have all contributed to animal welfare through their discoveries and innovations. Students will learn about these animal science superstars as well as vocabulary words like species, vaccine and omnivore. There is also a free lesson plan for the teacher to continue these topics in subsequent classes. This class and teacher lesson plan are both aligned with Missouri GLEs.

5th-8th Grade
“Reach for the Stars – Careers with Animals”
There are many animal related careers just waiting to be discovered. Students put on a fashion show using simple props to highlight different careers, learn about educational requirements and evaluate necessary personal qualities. This program also includes ideas on how to get experience working with animals right now.

Ages 13 and up
“Contest With No Winners”
Dog fighting occurs in our community—in the city, suburbs and rural areas. By providing accurate information, we hope to promote empathy and humane treatment for these dogs. Dog fighting affects all of us by increasing the risk of vicious dog attacks, stolen pets and other violent crimes. Participants will be encouraged to develop positive solutions to this problem.

Ages 13 to Adult
“Helping Your Pet Age Gracefully”
Older dogs and cats make the best pets! In this course, we discuss how dogs and cats age, what to expect when adopting an older pet and how to address changes in behavior and health. Participants will take away great tips on keeping a beloved pet happy and healthy for life.

RESOURCE LIBRARY

Need particular information on an animal welfare topic? We maintain a resource library of excellent reference materials. To discuss your needs please call or send us an e-mail.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

SCOUT LEADERS: We also offer programs for scout troops. Click here to find out more.

TEACHERS: Click here for a curriculum especially developed to meet MO State Standards and assist you in teaching humane education as a part of your daily activities.

VOLUNTEERS IN EDUCATION: The APA Education Department is always seeking volunteers to serve as community educators. We welcome active & retired teachers, but formal classroom experience is not a requirement. All volunteers are requied to attend orientation. For more information, go to the Volunteer Page.

ADULT GROUP PRESENTATIONS may also be scheduled.

For information on these opportunities, please call Michelle Kodner at (314) 645-4610, ext. 120.