- As a class, discuss volunteering and the role of charities. Why do people volunteer? Brainstorm the different voluntary, community and pressure groups the children know of. Ask them why we need these groups and what their purpose is.
- Make a class list of different animals. Divide the list into categories - farm animals, wild animals and pets. Discuss what helps keep animals healthy. Who looks after them when they are ill or injured? What happens if no one looks after them? Tell the children that it is against the law to mistreat an animal.
- Focus on the work of a local and/or national organisation that works to improve the lives of animals, and to prevent cruelty and promote kindness. You could show the children a clip from a TV programme or video about the work of the organisation.
- Introduce the idea that, just as we have laws to protect people, we also have laws to protect animals. Describe what people at the chosen organisation do, eg inspect the conditions in which animals are kept and take action when these are unsatisfactory. It may be helpful to liken their role to that of services for humans, eg the police.
- Discuss the different jobs the organisation does, eg campaigning, prosecuting people who mistreat animals, finding new homes for unwanted pets, rescuing animals in distress, lobbying MPs. Does it help all animals - farm animals, wild animals, laboratory animals and pets - or just certain kinds of animals?
- Discuss the work that volunteers for the organisation undertake. This might include: visiting a home to check its suitability for an animal; administration, eg accounts; committee work; fundraising; and practical animal care, eg dog walking. In pairs, children discuss what they would like to do to help. What would happen, for example, to unwanted pets if the organisation did not exist?
- As a class, discuss pet ownership. Ask the children what pets they have at home. Why were those pets chosen? Who takes responsibility for the pets and what does this involve, eg feeding and exercising them, buying special equipment and food, paying vets' bills? The legal age for pet ownership is 12. Discuss with the children why this might be. What would they do if they could no longer keep their pets at home?
- Give the children details of a selection of pets that need a home, and a number of different families that are looking for a pet. In small groups, the children decide which pet would suit which family. This can be done simply in discussion, or as a role-play or interview where the animal interviews its would-be owners.
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- identify different types of animals
- appreciate the responsibility humans have to help keep animals healthy, and know that it is against the law to mistreat an animal
- know and describe what a voluntary/charitable organisation is and understand the role of a volunteer
- understand that there are laws to protect both animals and people
- appreciate that there are problems in the UK regarding pet ownership, and that even though some people might want a pet, they would not make suitable owners
- know the importance of choosing the right pet, and understand the responsibility involved in providing a suitable home for a pet
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