School Programs

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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, pet 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.

The APA of MO Humane Education Department provides presentations to students in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our modest program fees assist in covering our costs for materials. Groups of 1-40 students are $25.00 per presentation; groups of more than 40 are $40.00 per presentation. Each visit includes educational handouts and will be offered at your location or the APA. For more information, or to schedule a program, please call Becky Krueger, our Director of Education, at 314/645-4610 ext. 124 or email education@apamo.org.

Here are just a few of our education programs. Contact us for the full list!

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-4th Grade
"Too Much of a Good Thing"
Through the story of a little girl named Rachel and her dog, Tess, children will see how one pet can turn into 55 pets in only 3 years! Students will help Rachel find a solution to her pet overpopulation problem. This interactive flannel board lesson shows the problems that result if we don't spay or neuter our pets. Approximately 18 million healthy, friendly dogs and cats are euthanized in this country each year simply because they are unwanted.

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 presentation, we will teach students 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 or loose dog. This is a fun way to learn important safety information!

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 and up
"The Link: Breaking the Cycle of Violence"
This presentation features a 23-minute video followed by a guided discussion designed to inspire teens to take a stand against all forms of cruelty through positive individual action. Students learn that violence towards humans and animals springs from the same source and should be treated with the same concern.

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

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 the Education Director at (314) 645-4610, ext. 124.