Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood (eBook)

Patty Born Selly: Patty has developed hundreds of preschool classes on nature, science, and green topics. She has also worked as a park naturalist and environmental education coordinator, a wildlife rehabilitator, zoo volunteer, and consultant for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Patty has been a preschool outreach educator for the Science Museum of Minnesota, where, in addition to teaching scores of preschool classes, she developed and delivered teacher training on inquiry-based science for early childhood and green and sustainability topics. Patty teaches early childhood science and environmental education courses at Hamline University's Graduate School of Education and Metropolitan State University, both in St. Paul, MN. In her work as an environmental educator, Patty has done extensive research on the relationships between children and animals and how those relationships help children develop. She has also worked in many non-formal education settings and taught many children's classes that have included such animals as snakes, mice, turtles, frogs, fish, skinks, salamanders, and even birds of prey.

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Animals and Child DevelopmentInfant and toddler responses to animalsFormation of values in early childhood Role of animals in childrenâs social-emotional developmentDevelopment of self in relation to animalsCommunication with animalsChapter 2: Strengthening Connections between Children and Animals Why do animals captivate children?How do children identify with animals?How can educators build on this natural attraction?Chapter 3: Animals in Childrenâs Lives: Where, When and How are Children Interacting with Animals Outside the Classroom?Family petsMedia: Television, movies, books, video gamesIn natureChild careFriendsâ petsInfluence of adultsâ verbal and non-verbal interactions with animalsChapter 4: Educators Creating Authentic Experiences between Children and AnimalsWhat are authentic experiences and why do children need them?How can educators build on this natural attraction of children to animals?Programs that create authentic experiencesChapter 5: Animals in the ClassroomWhat is a âcaring forâ experience?Why âcaring forâ experiences are so important?What kind of animals make good classroom pets?Other considerations when choosing a classroom petWhen an animal dies/saying goodbyeCanât bring in pets? Create other âcaring forâ opportunitiesAnimals for therapy and serviceAppendicesAppendix A: Resources for educatorsAppendix B: Childrenâs books about animalsGlossaryReferences