“This program has definitely increased the students awareness of and empathy towards these special creatures. Thank you so much for all that you do.”
— Sue Wells, Alberta Teacher/Librarian

Thank you for your interest in our educational program for teachers, humane and wildlife educators to use with students in Grades 4 to 6.

We’re very interested in hearing from you. Please let us know if you have any comments, suggestions or questions. We’ll use your feedback to improve the program. You can reach us at info@catsandbirds.ca, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Included in the main package (download below) are: a Conceptual Framework & Lesson Summary; the Lessons; a Primer for Teachers; a Glossary; and Additional Resources (including links to more educational programs, resources and Angel Catbird colouring pages). You can also download a separate file containing a guide to the Curriculum Links.

Lessons at a glance:

1. Cat Bird Science 101 (core)
As a class, students establish that domestic cats and wild birds share the same basic needs but differ in how and where these needs are met. In small groups, students compare physical and behavioural characteristics of domestic cats and wild songbirds in a card sorting activity

2. Bird Webs (core)
By exploring local outdoor areas, students become familiar with bird diversity and ecology. The cumulative physical activity demonstrates how birds are an integral component of local ecosystems and provide ecosystem services.

3: Cats in Our Lives (core)
Reading about the history and domestication of cats students learn the responsibilities of being a pet owner and how to keep cats safe. Two math activities introduce the consequences of allowing cats to roam unsupervised outdoors (and not spay or neutering).

4: Cats and Birds in the Neighbourhood (core)
After playing an active game of ‘tag’ to learn the impact of unsupervised outdoor cats on the cats themselves and on bird populations, students explore what they can do to keep cats safe and save bird lives.

5: Writer’s Wrap Up (core)
Students share what they have learned by writing and revising a sentence or paragraph.

6: Different where? (optional)
Students create a Venn diagram to examine the differences in the standards of care between cats and dogs and discuss responsible pet ownership.

7: A Global Problem, with Local Solutions (optional)
Students learn about migration of North American birds by viewing two interactive websites and completing a worksheet. Afterwards, the students brainstorm actions they can take to save bird lives in their local community as well as communities in other parts of the world.

Download Cats and Birds Grades 4 to 6

Download Grades 4-6 Curriculum Links

We are grateful to PetSmart Charities of Canada for their support of the development of this program.