Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood

Understand the value of connecting animals and childrenFrom family pets and wild animals to toys, stuffed animals, and media images, animals are a central part of every childs landscape. This book examines the reasons why children should interact and connect with real animals, and it identifies the rich learning that results. Youll find heaps of foundational support and practical ideas to create authentic experiences that bring children and all kinds of species of animals togetherincluding many adaptations if live animals are not permitted in your setting.Connecting Animals and Children in Early ChildhoodExamines the basic qualities that make animals so appealing to childrenExplains how animals impact childrens cognitive, social-emotional, and inter- and intrapersonal development and growthIncludes an overview of the many ways animals are present in childrens livesIntroduces authentic experiences with animals that are supportive of childrens understanding and learning, and respectful to both animals and peopleProvides real-life examples of how to bring animals into your classroom with suggestions for planning, ideas for finding the right pet, and resources for making experiences meaningful, relevant, and joyful for childrenPatty Born Selly is executive director of the National Center for STEM Elementary Education at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. As the founder of Small Wonders, an educational consulting company offering services to schools, faith-based communities, and other organizations, Patty has developed hundreds of classes to help programs incorporate nature, science, and green education.