Humane Education in the Classroom!

Each classroom of our preschool is doing activities to connect our community with others!

The 1-year-old classroom teachers are reading books about the earth and recycling. They are explaining recycling and helping the children decipher between the recycling box and the trash can.

The 2-year-old classroom teachers made thank you cards for the mailman, local animal shelters, and parents that volunteer with us.

The 3-year-old classroom is learning about volunteer firefighters and a local firefighter came in last week and discussed what they do and let everyone explore a firefighter uniform.

The 4-year-old classroom is currently working on a play that they created and are going to perform for a local nursing home.

Please join us in these activities! Parent involvement is highly encouraged and appreciated!

10 Qualities for Living a Humane Life

According to Zoe Weil, the co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education as well as the author of Above All Be Kind, there are ten qualities that are universal for a humane lifestyle. There are:


1. Willingness to choose and change.
2. Kindness
3. Compassion
4. Honesty and trustworthiness
5. Generosity
6. Courage
7. Perseverance, self-discipline, and restraint
8. Humor and playfulness
9. Wisdom
10. Integrity



Over the next several blog posts we will look in a bit more detail what it means to be willing to choose, kind, compassionate, honest, etc.

What is humane education?

In case you are completely unfamiliar with the concept of humane education, here is several websites that link to the history and philosophy of human education!

Humane education includes 4 elements:
1. Providing accurate information (so we have the knowledge to face challenges)
2. Fostering the 3 C's: curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking (so we have the tools to meet challenges)
3. Instilling the 3 R's: reverence, respect, and responsibility (so we have the motivation to confront challenges)
4. Offering positive choices and tools for problem solving (so we will be able to solve challenges)

http://humaneeducation.org/sections/view/what_is_humane_education


Humane education can be defined as the teaching of compassion and respect related to animal welfare, environmental and social justice issues. It works to make the acquisition of relevant knowledge, skills, and commitment to live ethically, sustainably, and peaceably the very purpose of education. It does this by infusing the curricula at all levels of education with meaningful information, inspiration, and tools for creating a safe and humane world for all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humane_education

Zoe Weill is the author of the book, Above All Be Kind and went on to found the Institute of Humane Education.

http://www.zoeweill.com