Teacher Resources

Kindness Kits

Kindness Kits are curriculum units designed to allow teachers an in-depth exploration of humane themes with their students. Each kit contains a series of lessons and activities, developed around a featured book, that focus on character development, pet ownership, and responsibility for personal choices. Many lessons also address state or national learnng standards in other curriculum areas.

“Shiloh” (Grades 4-8)

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

This kit is designed for use by students in grades 4-8. This Newbery Medal-winning novel is not only a captivating reading experience, but is also a study in character development, family relationships, pet ownership, and responsibility for personal choices.

Click here to download the "Shiloh" Kindness Kit materials, including lesson plans, worksheets, and supplemental resources.

This kit is also available in a classroom kit containing 30 soft cover copies of the featured book, a complete curriculum guide and a VHS or DVD version of the feature film "Shiloh." Classroom kits are available FREE on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be reserved for up to six weeks. Teachers can pick up classroom kits at any AHS location. For more information, please call (763) 489-2220 or contact Education online.

"Buddy Unchained" (Grades K-2)

By Daisy Bix

This award-winning picture book tells the story of Buddy, a dog whose life is changed forever when he is rescued from a neglectful home and eventually adopted by a loving family who provides for his needs. Told from Buddy's point of view and accompanied by sensitive and expressive illustrations, the story encourages readers to consider how responsibility and compassion can make a difference in the life of an animal. Kindness Kit activities include three lessons and one supplemental activity page:

Pets Need What People Need aligns the basic needs of pets and humans, helping children understand that people are responsible for providing for those needs.
Pets Are Part of Our Family discusses the importance of viewing pets as members of our families, and how individuals and organizations like AHS can play a role in making life better for animals.
I Can Make A Difference leads students to explore several situations when they might be called on to help a person or animal in need.
A word find using words from "Buddy Unchained" is also included in the Kindness Kit.

Click here to download the "Buddy Unchained" Kindness Kit materials.

While supplies last, teachers may request a FREE copy of "Buddy Unchained" when they download kit materials. Teachers may request a copy of the book by contacting the Education department online. Books must be mailed to a school address; please include your school contact information in your request.