Seeing the need to educate our youth, Angels of Assisi has piloted a new education outreach program called Angels Reaching Kids (ARK). ARK can be a valuable learning tool for age groups ranging from pre-school to fifth grade. The mission is simple; educate children that companion and farm animals deserve human respect and kindness. In order to facilitate this mission we have enlisted the help of some furry friends.

These furry friends (other wise known as puppets) have not only created a bridge between student and facilitator but also make learning fun. Forming ARK has been a proud and fulfilling accomplishment here at Angels of Assisi. The curriculum is custom built, providing each age group with unique activities. Preschool to first grade have the opportunity to learn about what a pet is, how they can make a difference, becoming a kind kid, and learning the importance of all animals.

Second and third grade students will engage in hands on activities learning about what makes a good home for pets, making positive choices, choosing compassion, and the overpopulation problem. Fourth and fifth grade students will venture out to explore the Angels of Assisi’s Adoption Center while learning about animal cruelty, responsible pet ownership, adoption, and the overpopulation problem. With soaring hopes, Angels of Assisi not only plans to educate these youth but also instill in them lasting values that will carry them throughout their lives. For more information on this exciting outreach program contact Shelly Whitaker, Director of Public Relations at 444-2127 or email angels@angelsofassisi.org. 

Lesson Plan Overview:

Preschool to 1st Grade

• What is a pet?
  Objective: To understand what a pet is and what it needs to be healthy and happy.
• I Can Make a Difference
  Objective: To empower students to realize that they can make a difference in the life of an animal or another person. Students will also learn how to solve problems appropriately.
• Kind Kids
  Objective: To understand what it means to be kind to other people and animals.
• All Animals are Important
  Objective: To understand that all animals are important and special in their own way.

2nd and 3rd Grades

• All Pets Need a Good Home
  Objective: To understand that pets depend on people to provide them with a safe and happy home. Students will also learn that some pets are abandoned or born on the streets and that it is a dangerous place form them.
• Making Positive Choices
  Objective: To be able to look at a situation about people and animals and determine if the situation will affect them positively or negatively.
• Adding Up Pet Populations
  Objective: Students will learn about “populations” and “ pet over population” and why it is important to control pet over population.
• Choosing Compassion
  Objective: to learn what “compassion” means and how to make compassionate choices.

4th and 5th Grades

• The Pet Over Population Dilemma
  Objective: To gain a better understand of the pet over population problem, why companion animals were domesticated and why people are responsible for their problems.
• Tour of Angels of Assisi- Responsible Pet Ownership/Adoption
  Objective: To educate students on the importance of adoption and the role of a responsible pet owner. Providing students with a tour of the Adoption facilities.
• Responsible Pet Ownership/Adoption
  Objective: To educate students on the importance of adoption and the role of a responsible pet owner. NO tour provided.
• Combat Animal Cruelty
  Objective: To understand animal cruelty and abuse