This short presentation highlights the value of finding ways to discuss animal welfare issues with young children

1. The role of Animal Welfare in
early years education
(and ESDGC)
Dr Christine Davies
UWTSD

2. Examples of Animal Welfare for different
educational contexts
endangered
speciesPets
trade in
animals
Animal
housing
farmingPuppy
farms

3. Example: rabbits as pets
• Key Stage 1(up to age 6
approx.): role play: what
do rabbits do?
• Key stage 2 (up to age
10 approx.): design a
good home for pet
rabbits
Image source: www.morguefile.com

4. Choices, responsibilities
We decide about:
• Food provided
• Shelter, warmth
• Space available (hence
activities possible)
• Degree of cleanliness
• Amount of interaction
• Quality of life and lifespan
developing empathy with animals helps us to develop empathy for fellow humans
(Daly and Suggs, 2010)
Image source: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk

5. Some sources of information
• RSPCA:
http://education.rspca.org.uk/education/teachers/
• International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):
http://www.ifaw.org/united-states/our-
work/education/welcome-teachers
• Compassion in World Farming
(https://www.ciwf.org.uk/education/downloads/ ).

6. Christine.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk