Eyes on Early Years Volume 18 | Seite 7

World Animal Day October 4th by Sophie Booth Caring for the world and helping children to develop a sense of empathy for living things is an important factor of children’s personal social and emotional development. World Animal Day aims to bring worldwide awareness about the importance of animals in the wild and domestic pets in the home. Here are some ways to get children involved in world animal day and to further their knowledge about animals around the world: In the classroom – Story Time Giraffes Can’t Dance – Giles Anderson Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? – Bill Martin Dear Zoo – Rod Campbell Role Play At the Vets Percy the Park Keeper – Percy’s Hut Children can learn all about the different habitats of woodland animals and how to care for them. Help promote children’s empathy and understanding of caring for living creatures by setting up a vet’s clinic in your classroom. Children can bring in their own stuffed animals from home and help to take care of them.