Raising awareness about endangered animals is a way to teach children about empathy for other living beings. This subject also offers a unique opportunity to explore science disciplines like biology and zoology, and it can help children understand problems like climate change. However, teaching children can feel challenging as it may seem hard for young minds to grapple with the permanence of loss and extinction. Fortunately, there are ways to discuss the endangerment of species in a kid-friendly way. A look at the top five ways to educate children about these animals can get kids motivated about conservation and encourage them to make a difference in their world.
Use Children’s Storybooks
Children’s storybooks use illustrations and positive narratives to teach children about endangered animals. Designate a time to read aloud about some of the most endangered animals like black rhinos, African forest elephants, mountain gorillas, or orangutans. By positioning animals as primary characters, stories help children relate to these creatures. You should also look for books with interactive designs such as pop-up books, paperbacks with stickers, or plush editions. Another idea is to have children use pencils and crayons to write and illustrate their own stories about their favorite animals.
Visit a Wildlife Conservancy or Animal Shelter
Make the most of field trips by visiting a national park, wildlife refuge, conservancy, or animal shelter. While watching videos or documentaries can be useful, children often respond best to hands-on activities. These field trips can help children observe creatures in their natural habitat. Tours of wildlife facilities are often memorable because they engage all five senses and allow kids to interact with the environment. Some refuge facilities also offer unique activities such as photoshoots or picnics to encourage a love for wildlife.
Write a Letter or Start a Petition
Encourage children to use their civic duties or volunteer abilities to help animals. Allow kids to write a letter to their elected officials to voice their concerns about endangered animals or environmental protection. With the help of a guardian, children can also start a petition to raise donations for an animal shelter or refuge. A fun idea to get the fundraiser off the ground is to help children set up a lemonade stand and donate the money they earn.
Brainstorm Child-Friendly Crafts or Projects
Crafts and projects also help reinforce the idea of helping animals. For example, have children write a play about animal species in the wild. You can then create animal costumes and allow the children to dress up and perform the play for others. Other crafts include creating animal-themed hand puppets, bird feeders, watercolor paintings, or cardboard science fair displays.
Celebrate Endangered Species Day
Endangered Species Day (ESD) takes place on May 19 each year. Use this day to host a party so that children can look forward to supporting wild animals. Send out invitations that encourage everyone to dress up like their favorite creature. Bake animal-themed sugar cookies or order a custom cake shaped like an endangered species. Instead of bringing gifts, any guests to donate what they would have spent to a wildlife fund instead.
Lessons about endangered species can leave a lasting impression on children. By brainstorming unique activities, you can give kids the tools to help them understand their world for a lifetime.
