Classroom presentations and activities

Our Humane Education team visits classrooms for presentations and interactive workshops

Two presentations are currently available:

1- “My animal friends” presentation

Target age group: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Description: “My animal friends” aims to cultivate values such as compassion, empathy, respect for differences and a sense of responsibility in young children. The presentation also teaches students to better understand dogs’ body language and how to approach them safely.

Duration: 60 minutes

Cost: $75 per class presentation. (If the presentation cost is a barrier, please contact us for assistance).

Details: The presentation is divided into four parts:

First part

The first part covers the mission of the Montreal SPCA by sharing stories of animals who have stayed at the shelter.

Second part

The second part consists of a guessing game that highlights the differences and similarities between humans and animals, emphasizing our common need to be treated with respect and compassion.

Third part

The third part teaches children about approaching dogs safely based on their body language.

Fourth part

The last part is a craft activity.

A visual aid of images and videos will accompany the presentation (in PowerPoint format).

2- “Happy Animals, Healthy Planet” presentation

Target age group: Grades 4 to 6

Description: “Happy Animals, Healthy Planet” explores our relationship with animals of all species, the interconnectedness between their well-being and ours, and the actions we can take to live harmoniously on a healthy planet.

The presentation concludes with a drawing activity during which the children will be able to make their own climate action journal.

Duration: 60 minutes

Cost: $75

(If the presentation cost is a barrier, please contact us for assistance).

To schedule an in-class activity, please contact us at education@spcamontreal.com.

Testimonials

"This program, specially designed for children, offers them a unique opportunity to learn to respect and care for animals. Through this activity, youngsters develop empathy and acquire good practices for interacting with our four-legged friends. They learn to put themselves in the animals' place, understand their emotions, needs, and the challenges they face. Erin's warm visit was much appreciated by my students and myself."

"Ms. Martellani captured my students' attention throughout her "My Animal Friends" presentation. The children also really enjoyed the craft activity at the end. She brought all the necessary materials. In short, it was a well-organized and enriching activity. I'd recommend it for students aged 5 to 6."

"Ms. Sauvé's presentation to Grade 5 students on abandoned animals in Montreal was truly enlightening. Her warm, accessible stories were perfectly tailored to kids, helping us understand the implications of adopting a companion animal as well as the vital role of shelters. A valuable lesson to prepare us to become responsible and caring citizens."

Youth Event at the Montreal SPCA (new dates to come)

This summer, as part of a pilot project, our humane education team hosted an activity at the shelter for children aged 8 to 12!

A half-day at the shelter!

Cost: $50 per child (+ taxes and ticketing fees)

Target age group: 8 to 12 years

Duration: 3 hours

The activity included an educational tour of the shelter during which participants were able to interact with the animals and learn more about important issues that affect them. After the tour, the children took part in other fun activities designed to help the SPCA’s animals, as well as an educational workshop on cat behaviour.

The children were given a plant-based snack mid-activity and a small goodie bag at the end.

Thanks to the success of our pilot project, we’ll be organizing more activities at the SPCA for kids in the near future! Be sure to sign up to our humane education mailing list to be the first to find out the dates of our next events:

“Writing for animals” workshops (currently unavailable)

Target age group: This workshop can be adapted for all ages.

Description: Having students write opinion pieces is a great way to explore themes of animal protection in your classroom. Contact us with your idea, and we can help prepare a presentation on a topic where students will need to take a stance.

Read the open letter written by Grade 5 students following one of these workshops.

Duration: variable

Cost: $75 for an in-class visit.