PETA Can Help Make Sure Your Kids Continue Learning at Home

Families all over the U.S. and Canada are being affected by school closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. And teachers’ lessons plans are being unexpectedly halted as students are left without a classroom to learn in and potentially no online curriculums to turn to.

Many of us are being instructed to practice social distancing and self-isolation, so TeachKind—PETA’s humane ­­education division—is encouraging parents to take advantage of our free online educational resources, including activities and lessons for students of all ages. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Parents have unlimited access to our reading comprehension exercises for kids in grades K–12 and dozens of writing prompts for middle and high school students. Our posters can prompt a discussion about animal-friendly idioms, like “feed two birds with one scone,” while lessons about pronouns can help teach students in grades K–2 or 3–5 not to call animals “it” (because each one is someone, not something). And our heartwarming rescue stories (along with our thought-provoking worksheets) could be just the inspiration you need during a time like this.
• Our “Share the World” program, which includes an online video, helps even the youngest learners develop empathy for animals. And PETA Kids offers fun activities—including comic books, games, and videos—for kids under 12.

• Virtual dissection for the win! We make it easy for parents to access non-animal dissection methods, like apps and online programs—here’s our list of animal-free dissection lessons. Virtual dissection company eMind is also giving a 25% discount on its fantastic virtual tools with discount code “PETA.”
• See animals in their habitats from your very own home: These animal-friendly virtual field trips make it possible for you to observe animals hanging out by watering holes in Africa and exploring the Arctic tundra—all in real time and without leaving your home or disrupting wildlife. Live videos help kids see what life is like for wild animals living on their own terms, not ours.

• Parents can also take advantage of TeachKind’s free virtual presentations covering a range of topics, including how animal agriculture hurts the planet; why experimenting on and dissecting animals is cruel, wasteful, and unnecessary; the benefits of a healthy vegan lifestyle; and so much more. For more information or to schedule a presentation, e-mail us at [email protected].

Trying to continue kids’ education at home during this uncertain time is new to everyone, but it doesn’t mean that students have to miss out on learning and experiencing new things. Our worksheets, debate kits, writing prompts, videos, and games can keep them busy at home and hone their reading and writing skills, all while teaching them to have compassion and empathy for others. Use this time to bond as a family, build empathy and compassion, and improve your health.