Humane Education Programs
A wide variety of humane education programs, presented by our Humane Education Director, Mary Grayson, can be brought to your school or group setting, and are designed for all ages. Life skills are stressed, including kindness and compassion, as well as respect and responsibility for all living things.

Call 630-323-5630 x 7 to leave a message or email at humane.ed@hinsdalehumanesociety.org.

Junior Humane Society
Promotes caring and responsible leadership for students in 5th through 8th grades. The monthly meetings have opportunities for service and learning. Click for more information.

Our classroom-oriented Humane Education Programs include:

SHARING SAM
Grades: PreK-K
In this interactive program, children learn about proper and responsible pet care and appropriate interaction with animals. Story "Tails Are Not For Pulling" by Elizabeth Verdick.
(About 30 minutes)

PAWS, CLAWS, FEATHERS AND FINS
Grades: 1-5
A childrens' favorite! This entertaining and upbeat presentation discusses the responsibilities of pet ownership for many different types of pets. It includes dogs, cats,hamsters, mice, gerbils, birds, reptiles and fish. The video stresses things to consider before you get a pet, as well as their general
care. (About 45-60 minutes)

A NEW FRIEND FOR LIFE
Grades: 2-5
This program uses a video and power point presentation stressing commitment, care and compassion for domestic pets. The importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent overpopulation is addressed. These concepts are used within the context of pet adoption from a shelter.
(About 30-35 minutes)

SAFETY AROUND DOGS
Grades: K-5
Just as children need to be taught how to be well-mannered around people, they need to be taught proper behavior around domestic animals. This presentation teaches children how to interact appropriately with dogs and cats in different situations, why they may bite or scratch, how to read their “danger signs”, and what to do if approached by a stray animal.
(About 30 minutes)

"CHARACTER COUNTS" PROGRAM
Grades; K-5
This program stresses the use of character building concepts with children’s interaction with domestic animals. Emphasis is placed on loyalty, respect, responsibility, and citizenship in becoming a responsible pet owner. These concepts are then applied to our relationships with people.
(About 45-60 minutes)

ENDANGERED SPECIES
for Fifth Grade to Adult
This program deals with endangered and extinct species in our world. Extinction has been a part of the natural process but in recent history, humans have dominated the earth, changing the environment in drastic ways that have caused hundreds of species of organisms to disappear.
(About 45 minutes)

THE POWER OF COMPASSION
for High School to Adult
Strong video which gives a history of the domestication of dogs and cats and their subsequent dependence on man. Tells of the need for the establishment of the first humane society. Deals with overpopulation,cruelty and neglect of our companion animals. Shows where the responsibility lies for pet overpopulation and the euthanasia which results. Emphasizes the need for careful decision-making and commitment. Finally, discussion of how sympathy toward the plight of animals can lead to caring for all living beings. A thought-provoking presentation!
(About 60 minutes)

TOUR OF THE SHELTER AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
for Children and Adults
An inclusive tour of the shelter which takes visitors behind the scenes! Discussion of where our animals come from and why getting an animal from a shelter is a compassionate choice.
(About 30 minutes)

LIVING WITH THE FOREST PRESERVE: WALKING ON THE WILD SIDE
for K to 8TH
This presentation focuses on proper use and enjoyment of our Forest Preserve System. It includes information on its history and laws governing its use. It also discusses how to treat the forest's inhabitants, as well as what to do if you find hurt or abandoned animals. Learn to "Walk on the Wild Side" while protecting its fauna and flora!
(About 30 to 60 minutes-depending on the age of the children)

CONDUCT DISORDER AND ANIMAL ABUSE: LINKING BEHAVIORS AND INTERVENTIONS TO BUILD A POSITIVE FUTURE
for HIGH SCHOOL to ADULT
Animal abuse as an extension of psychological disturbance and its relationship to adult violence is discussed. Positive intervention and the differences between Conduct Disorder and other reasons for animal abuse by youth are emphasized.

YOUTH AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ANIMALS
for UPPER MIDDLE SCHOOL to HIGH SCHOOL
Youth abuse and neglect animals for a variety of reasons which are discussed in this PowerPoint presentation. The program focuses on humane education as a key to changing behavior.

LOOKING FORWARD: STOPPING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE
for HIGH SCHOOL to ADULT
The link between animal abuse, domestic violence and child abuse has long been established. This presentation discusses the link, as well as how society through partnering with various agencies can best recognize and intervene with violence.

HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY AT WORK: SERVICING THE COMMUNITY, UPHOLDING OUR MISSION
for ADULT
This PowerPoint presentation is designed to inform various groups regarding the mission of the Hinsdale Humane Society. Our role in our community, educational programs offered, and heart warming stories of some of our adopted animal companions are discussed.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Special programs can be tailored to meet the needs of individual groups and school curriculm. Your needs and requirements can be discussed with our Humane Educator, Mary Grayson. Other topics and videos are available. For more information, call HHS at (630)323-5630 extension 7. Please leave a message or email: humane.ed@hinsdalehumanesociety.org