This has been a very exciting trimester in first grade. Our shelter/foster animal project has been our primary focus since March. I began the unit by asking a simple question,"If you had to choose where to get a new pet,would you choose to visit an animal shelter or a pet shop?" Students unanimously concluded that a pet shop was the better option. They explained that pet stores had more kinds of dogs. They went on to share that you animal shelters only had mean, scary dogs and no other animals.

One can imagine their surprise after taking a virtual tour of a local animal shelter. They quickly became aware that their beliefs were misdirected as they were introduced to countless varieties of dogs and cats of all shapes and sizes with a wide range of personalities. Every day we reviewed a shelter animals profile on the pets in need website (specifically the skill of being descriptive and adding details). We studied the different writing styles the authors used that helped increase the animals chance of obtaining enough attention to find the animal a forever home. Every other Friday we visited the recently adopted page and discovered that 4 of our focus animals were adopted!

As a class we discussed how vital volunteers are in shelters. We studied the different roles they played and also how we personally could help them succeed. Students expressed concern about the long term residents of the shelter. They noticed that the larger, older, and scary looking dogs were frequently left in the shelter while the younger, cuter,and less intimidating dogs,cats,and rabbits joined permanent homes. Since Pets in Need is a non kill shelter, some of its residents have been there several years. (I decided not to address the euthanization of animals with them).

Our final project was the creation of awareness books. Students encouraged their readers to adopt a homeless furry friend instead of buying one at a shop. Students shared their books using flip grid. They hope to read their books with their big buddies in the near future. They also expressed interest in doing a supply/toy fundraiser for our local Pets In Need Shelter once its covid 19 restrictions are lifted.