Being Kind to Animals Social Story by Teach Simple

About this resource

What's inside this resource

A first-person narrator walks through what it means to be kind to a pet, one short illustrated statement per page. Early pages name the mixed feelings, excitement and a little fear, that seeing an animal can bring, before explaining that animals have feelings too and can feel pain just like people. The middle of the story lists specific behaviors to avoid: poking, pinching, hitting, kicking, pulling a tail, or picking an animal up in an uncomfortable way. The final pages give the child a clear plan for a safe interaction: walk away or tell a grown-up if an animal makes them feel scared, ask the animal's owner before saying hello, and pat gently only once the owner says it is okay. The story closes with the narrator's own reminder to be kind to animals.

Product description

From the author

The Being Kind to Animals Social Story is a specialized educational resource designed explicitly for children who might struggle with comprehending the appropriate manners and behavior towards animals, particularly pets. This teaching tool utilizes the power of storytelling in a simple yet effective way, fostering understanding and empathy among children towards all creatures.

This tool can be particularly advantageous for children on the autism spectrum or those having difficulty deciphering social cues. Gently introducing them to situations where they interact with pets can help reduce anxiety by preparing them for real-life encounters. As each page turns, they're guided through common scenarios - handling animals calmly, approaching animals respectfully - in an easily digestible format that builds comfort and familiarity over repetition.

Educators can seamlessly integrate this story into various teaching methods according to their needs.
Whether used as part of a whole group discussion stressing on kindness toward pets or during one-on-one learning interactions with Special Education Needs (SEN) students, it serves as an invaluable resource delivering crucial life lessons.
It could also be incorporated into homework assignments or independent reading sessions, allowing learners ample opportunities to comprehend its message fully.

Note:The meticulous illustrations featured in this educational tool are credited to Kari Bolt Children's Illustrator, adding visual appeal that engages younger minds while aiding comprehension effectively.

Please observe usage rights:This material comes without limitation for the original purchaser intending it for educational use only through photocopying, display or personal utilization based on purchase terms outlined previously—strictly no internet sharing through any platform without express written permission from author/publisher due compliance with copyright regulations applies here.

Purchase your copy of the Being Kind To Animals Social Story today!

In the classroom

Teaching tips & learning objectives

Learning objectives

Students will identify at least three specific behaviors to avoid when interacting with an animal.
Students will state the correct steps for safely greeting an animal, including asking the owner first.
Students will recognize that animals have feelings and can feel pain, supporting a personal commitment to gentle handling.

Teaching tips

Read one or two pages at a time rather than the whole story in one sitting, and revisit the story before a planned encounter with a pet, such as a class visit or a home pet.
Pair the story with a simple role-play: practice asking "Can I say hello to your pet?" and practice gentle petting motions using a stuffed animal.

Skills covered

Emotional recognition — naming feelings like excitement and fear that come up around animals, as a first step toward managing a reaction to them.
Perspective-taking — understanding that an animal has feelings and can feel pain, similar to a person.
Safe-interaction sequencing — following an ordered plan (ask the owner, wait for permission, then pat gently) before touching an unfamiliar animal.
Self-regulation and help-seeking — recognizing when to walk away or tell a grown-up if an animal is causing fear or distress.

Good to know

Questions teachers ask about this resource

What specific behaviors does the story teach a child to avoid?

It names five specific actions to avoid around animals: poking, pinching, hitting, kicking, and pulling a tail, plus picking an animal up in a way that would be uncomfortable for them.

How does the story guide a child through greeting an animal safely?

It walks through checking with the animal's owner first, waiting for a yes, and then patting or stroking very gently -- with a reminder that a grown-up can help if the child is unsure.