CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Compassion – 9-Year-Old Florida Boy Inspires Community to Adopt Older Pets

When we are caring, we show compassion and love toward others, including animals. Caring for animals involves empathy, understanding their needs and emotions, and taking action to support and nurture them.
Compassion
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Caring
  • Good Citizenship
SEL Skills
  • Relationship Skills
  • Self-Management
Academic Skills
  • Critical and Creative Thinking 
  • Effective Problem-Solving

Definitions

Caring
  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
Good Citizenship
  • Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.
  • Cooperate.
  • Stay informed. Vote.
  • Be a good neighbor.
  • Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.
  • Protect the environment.
Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Self-Management

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions and resist negative emotions and impulses.

Critical and Creative Thinking

Acquire, remember, understand, and apply knowledge.

Effective Problem Solving

Make rational, ethical, and effective decisions to find the best solutions to problems.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
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Students will demonstrate compassion, empathy, and critical thinking skills by reflecting on Robbie’s story, discussing the benefits of adopting older animals and exploring ways to care for pets and others in need.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What does compassion mean?
    • Compassion means having sympathy for others who are having a hard time.
  • What does it feel like knowing you are loved and cared for?
  • What are the differences between sympathy and empathy?
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • How did Robbie show compassion and empathy to these animals? 
  • How is empathy different from sympathy?
  • Robbie said, “I know how it feels not to be loved or cared for, and I don’t want any animal of mine to feel that way, nor do I want any foster kid to feel that way.” What does this quote tell you about how Robbie sees the world?
  • How can you show compassion to all living things?
  • Why is it important to show you care?
materials

Activity Materials

activity

Activity: Create An Adoption Ad

  • Visit a local animal shelter’s website and select an older animal that is up for adoption.
  • Create an advertisement for this animal to encourage others to adopt it.
    • Use this handout to get started.
    • Use technology-based resources (PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, Canva.com, etc.) or have students create a poster using paper and art supplies.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • Why is it important to show compassion to animals?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Imagine you adopted an older pet from the animal shelter. Describe a day in the life of your new furry friend. What activities would you do together?
  • How can you show you care about an animal?

6-12

  • How can adopting older dogs be a positive experience for families?
  • What can you learn from caring for something else? Think about a younger sibling, pet, and plants as examples.
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/Y2HEp_UEg-s

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about compassion.

  • How did Robbie’s experience as a former foster child influence his compassion towards older pets?
  • What are the reasons why adopting an older dog can be beneficial for families?

Activity

  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter: Spend a day volunteering at a nearby animal shelter with your family. You can help walk dogs, clean kennels, or assist with feeding and grooming. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of the care older pets require and the joy they can bring. Afterwards, discuss different ways to show caring to living things as a family.
  • Bake some treats to donate to the local animal shelter in your area using this easy dog treat recipe.
    • Ingredients
      • 10 cups rolled oats (not quick oats or steel-cut oats)
      • 2 cups chicken or beef broth/stock
      • Four eggs
      • 2-3 tsp salt (optional)
    • Directions
      • Preheat oven to 350°.
      • Warm the broth to just below boiling in a saucepan.
      • Add remaining ingredients.
      • Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes).
      • Roll dough until ½ inch thick.
      • Cut into slices or squares.
      • Place dough pieces on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
      • Bake for 30 minutes.
      • Let cool and place into your donation container or bag.

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