Category: Critical and Creative Thinking

free homeschool resources

LESSON SUMMARY

Human mothers aren’t the only ones who form close bonds with their babies. Learn how cows, pigs, chickens and sheep love and nurture their offspring.

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Year Level: 1–2

Learning area: Science

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking; ethical understanding; literacy

Lesson duration: 120 minutes

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • understand that animals reproduce, grow and change
  • learn about how different animal mothers care for their offspring
  • understand the different stages in the life cycle of cows, pigs, chickens and sheep
  • draw comparisons between how certain animals like cows, pigs, chickens and sheep reproduce in a more natural setting versus an intensive production farm.
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animals have feelings

LESSON SUMMARY

Trotsky isn’t your regular house pet…he’s a pig! He and his human Elvis enjoy a very special friendship. In this lesson, children will learn about the complex and endearing nature of pigs – an often misunderstood animal.

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Year Level: K–1

Learning area: Science

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking; ethical understanding; literacy

Lesson duration: 80 minutes

Learning Outcomes

Your child will:

  • learn about the unique characteristics of pigs
  • understand that pigs have physical, social and emotional needs, just like humans do
  • understand that pigs kept as pets live differently to pigs raised on farms, and that it’s the responsibility of humans to make sure their needs are met.
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homeschool activities

TOPIC SUMMARY

In the age of digital technology, children are exposed to more information than ever before. It’s important to help them approach information critically while maintaining a sense of respect for all opinions and perspectives.

The Australian Curriculum places a big emphasis on critical thinking and media literacy skills, and parents play an important role in developing these skills at home from an early age.

Now more than ever in the age of fake news and social media, these skills are crucial in navigating misleading information and questionable practices by business leaders, media personalities and politicians.

Here are some fun activities to develop critical thinking and media literacy skills in a fun and engaging way at home.

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free classroom posters

POSITIVE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS

Download our vibrant Positive Skills Classroom Poster Set and brighten up your classroom with these positive daily reminders for your students.

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Have you practiced kindness today? Can you tell the difference between a fact and an opinion? Can you remember how to have a respectful conversation?

Download our Positive Skills Classroom Poster Set and brighten up your classroom with these positive daily reminders to be kind, listen to others, be respectful towards others and think before you speak.

You can print these PDF posters in the following paper sizes: A0, A1, A2, A3 and A4.

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animal rights club students

Why start a club?

Empower your students, foster critical and creative thinking skills, and have some fun!

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Starting a Kindness Club at school is a great way for young students to get together and share ideas, plan and carry out meaningful and empowering activities for change and spread awareness about animal rights, welfare and protection issues in their communities. 

What is the Kindness Club Kit?

The Kindness Club kit is suitable for students in Years 3–8, but can easily be adapted for most year levels. It contains an 8-page booklet to help students set up their club and includes information for club facilitators.

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