Benefits of Animals

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Pets and animals are so beneficial for children.   Early experiences of caring for animals can grow into feelings of stewardship towards the natural world. At WCK our Explorers benefit from engaging with our Green House Farm animals, Milo and Jill’s and Centre animals learning valuable life lessons while developing positive attitudes towards animals.  

 

Foster Feelings 

Animals give unconditional love. They foster feelings in children and help them learn about kindness and being gentle.  The animals teach about respect and care, empathy, compassion and a sense of justice.  Distilling in children’s values and morals,

 

Social 

Animals  help children socialise and build relationships.  By watching and listening the children learn nonverbal communication – learning about and gauging animals body language.  The animals help strengthen skills of observing and interpreting and sense of cause and effect.  Developing skills of awareness and being in tune and being present.  They help children explore and develop interpersonal skills.  Learning about patience, self-regulation, managing behaviour, feeling and energy levels.  Helping to build confidence. 

 

Rights and responsibilities 

As children learn to care for animals they learn about the rights and responsitlivities that go hand in hand.  Learning about the different roles we all play in caring for the animals and the land. 

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Safety

Animals teach children about safety.  As our Explorers move around the farm and interact with the animals they learn about impulse control, they learn to move slowly, to be mindful of the animals.   

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A farm is also the perfect place to develop the skill of listening. All of the baas, moos, oinks and neighs will help children identify the animals' unique sounds.