Third Graders Read to SPCA Animals; Present Persuasive Writing Posters

Third-graders and their families filled the SPCA Serving Erie County during the "Encouraging Kind Kids" family reception in early May. Families visited the SPCA to see the persuasive writing posters the third graders created detailing how to care for the various animals at the SPCA. The posters were displayed throughout the SPCA facility and students had a chance to read books to the dogs and cats at the SPCA. Students raised $355.62 which was donated to the SPCA.

The special partnership between Windermere Boulevard third-graders and the SPCA is teaching children how to be compassionate and knowledgeable about animals. The “Encouraging Kind Kids” program was done last year with two third-grade classes at Windermere and expanded this year to all third-graders as a way to grow the school’s partnership with the agency.

Through research done at school and five visits from a SPCA Humane Educator, the students learned about the SPCA and the types of animals they serve, as well as various aspects of caring for an animal. One session by SPCA Humane Educator Sarah Milligan taught the children how to recognize the feelings a dog has by looking at its ears, mouth, tail and eyes.

The weekly visits provided background knowledge that the students used for their persuasive writing assignment.

Last school year teacher Amy McMahon was inspired by a Washington Post article about a class project to help shelter animals get adopted. She wanted to see if she could start a similar project at Windermere Boulevard where students write persuasive letters to help convince people to adopt a pet from the SPCA Serving Erie County.

The persuasive writing unit has many facets. Students learn about the SPCA through the guest visits and then in class, they will learn how to conduct research to gather factors about caring for and fostering animals. They will put art skills to work to translate their research facts into colorful posters that will be displayed at the SPCA during the family open house.