Compassionate Classroom

Empathy Ball TeachKind
Social-emotional learningGrades 3-5

This DIY ‘Empathy Ball’ Game Will Be a New Favorite Classroom Icebreaker

Get your students to bond and start thinking about empathy toward animals and each other with this fun activity.

Spider

How to Set Kind Standards for the School Year

Create a compassionate classroom culture early on in order to inspire humane education all year long.

"I Made a Difference for Animals" Award with Betta Fish
Social Studies

Students Speak Up for Betta Fish: A Lesson in Citizenship and Social Justice

It’s easy to incorporate compassion for animals into your curriculum. Just take this kind teacher’s word for it!

MLK Jr
Social StudiesGrades 9-12

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

Animal rights and human rights are inextricably linked. For this lesson, use Dr. King’s words to inspire your students to speak up for all beings.

Small turtle

The Dangers of Bringing Reptiles and Amphibians Into Your Classroom

Children becoming ill, animals suffering, and more. No kind teacher wants this. Learn why these animals do not belong in the classroom.

A girl petting an orange cat
Social-emotional learningGrades 3-5

Download a Class Set of Kindness Pledges

Start the year off right! Foster a compassionate classroom environment by using our printable kindness pledges for grades K–5.

Sad goldfish
Science

Why Fish Make Sad Classroom ‘Pets’

A tank can never rival a fish’s natural habitat—and they don’t belong in your classroom. Read how they are complex and sensitive individuals.

Two rats held by human hands.
Science

Rabbits and Other Animals Don’t Want to Be Class ‘Pets’

Small mammals suffer in the classroom. Here’s why.