Spring 2021
Download Innovative New Guide
for Teaching Early Learners
Kindness to Farm Animals
Exploring the Lives of Farm Animals: Lessons that Teach Compassion is a curriculum resource for K-3 educators created by HEART and Farm Sanctuary. Activities and lessons nurture students’ compassion for animals and each other through teaching strategies aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Core Competencies.
  • Lessons and activities help students understand the feelings, needs, and natural behaviors of farm animals.
  • Students make connections between themselves and the animals they learn about, developing an awareness of and appreciation for the unique qualities of each animal.
  • Lessons support the academic and emotional development of young people through engaging activities such as art to illustrate understanding, stories and role-plays to foster empathy, and service projects for taking action.  
"HEART’s farm animal resource guide is an asset to any formal or informal education program. Not only does it easily complement education standards and curricula, but it encourages children to think critically and build empathy and compassion for others. The lessons and activities are easy to prepare and implement in any classroom. This guide is a must-have for any educator!"

-Karen Patterson, Humane Society of Huron Valley
Vice President of Volunteers and Humane Education
Share Animal Stories to
Cultivate Compassion
Unfortunately, people sometimes think of Easter as a time to get a baby chick or a bunny because they associate these animals with the holiday. They do not always think about the fact that when we bring animals into our home, we are responsible for their well-being for the entirety of their lives, and that being a responsible animal guardian is a big commitment. Share these two animal stories, "The Easter Chick" and "A Rabbit's Tale," with young people to help them understand how bringing an animal companion into one's family is a life-long responsibility.
Foster Responsible Rabbit Guardianship
In The Forgotten Rabbit by Nancy Furstinger, a family brings home a baby rabbit who is soon forgotten as the children pursue other activities. The family is no longer able to meet the rabbit's needs, but her life changes when Rosalita becomes her caregiver and gives her a new home.
Collaborate with Network Members
The HEART Network private group provides an opportunity for you and other Network members to ask questions, start discussions, share resources, collaborate, access additional humane education resources, and more.

Join the group today by following this step-by-step instruction guide explaining how to join through Maddie's Pet Forum on the new Maddie's Fund website.

Find Great Resources in the Member Center
Trying to start or expand your humane education program? Looking for camp activities? Want a new book idea? Need a new lesson? Search no further. Check out our Network Member Center for a wide-range of helpful humane education resources.


When you visit the Network Member Center, you can also access the HEART Network member logo to display on your email signature or website.
Network Registration is Open!
Let your friends and colleagues know that it is free to join the HEART Network, and that signing up takes less than five minutes on our Network registration page.