Texas Humane Network Introduces Third-Grade Humane Curriculum Program to Texas Teachers

By Editor | December 2, 2022 |

December 2, 2022

The curriculum will promote the safety and well-being of children, animals, and our communities while addressing learning loss due to the pandemic.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Humane Network introduced its third-grade humane curriculum program online. Over the last year, the Texas Humane Network has worked with expert curriculum writers, humane educators, and partners throughout the state to create an introductory educational curriculum in alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state standards for what students should know and be able to do.

“The lack of any formal education in Texas on how to treat and behave around animals has caused growing problems with dog bites, poor treatment of animals, and threatens the overall safety of Texans, especially children,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director. “Introducing a third-grade humane curriculum in Texas public schools offers the opportunity to teach children how to safely interact with animals and treat them with respect.”

In 2021, there were over 1,000 dog-bite-related claims in Texas. Texas also has one of the largest stray dog populations in the country.

“Dog bites tend to happen most frequently to children who don’t know how to keep their distance, treat the animal, or protect themselves. Providing humane education to children can help children stay safe around stray animals,” said Bobosky.

The introduction of a third-grade humane curriculum program can also help address learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many Texas students have struggled with mental health, learning loss, and reengaging in the classroom due to the pandemic. However, learning about animals has been shown to capture students’ attention and could be a great way to help students improve performance at school and readjust to learning in a classroom,” said Bobosky.

“Ultimately, humane education is about keeping both children and animals safe. A humane curriculum sets a foundation of knowledge for students to know how to treat animals with respect and kindness and will create a more empathetic, humane Texas for all,” concluded Bobosky.

To view a sample lesson plan, click here. For more information, please contact Cara Gustafson at cara@publicblueprint.com.

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The Texas Humane Network is a companion 501(c)(3) to the Texas Humane Legislation Network with the mission of educating people about animal welfare issues.