Critters Care Story Time--"If You Were a Parrot"

 

On Thursday, March 28, B.C. and I, along with Canine Ambassador Chloe, had a great time

sharing the story “If You Were a Parrot” to a group of 1^st & 2^nd graders at Harmony Endeavor.  Since this was the first time for many of these young students to meet a parrot up close, the room was filled with excitement.  Throughout the story time session I would intersperse fun tidbits about B.C.’s unique personality and quirks, such as:  “He’s afraid of the color orange”; “He’s jealous of my husband, Chris”; “He loves to take a shower with me where he stands on a rod and sometimes chews on a toothbrush”.  After relating this whimsical tale, I asked the kids various questions to see what they retained, and was pleasantly surprised at how enthusiastically they answered all my queries correctly.  I especially had to chuckle when I asked “What color is B.C. afraid of”, and

kids checking out B.C. in his safe enclosure

they all called out “orange!” and then one child asked “Is he afraid of your hair?”   I guess it’s a good thing he sees my locks as more red than orange!  Many of the students wanted to hold B.C. themselves, but I had to explain to them he isn’t quite as friendly as my canine companion, so instead they had the opportunity upon leaving to pet and have their picture with chill-pup Chloe, who was dressed in her Easter outfit in celebration of the upcoming holiday!

kids having fun trying to stand on one leg and sleep like a parrot!

Critters Care Story Time--"Rabbits, Rabbits & More Rabbits"

On Wednesday, March 6, Chloe (dressed as a bunny) and I enjoyed another wonderful story time

session at Browning Elementary with Ms. Stern's 4th grade class. I shared the book "Rabbits, Rabbits, and More Rabbits!"  Before reading the tale I presented the class with a true/false quiz on various rabbit facts to see what they did and did not already know about these fluffy creatures (such as “Rabbits are cold-blooded and need the sun to stay warm”, “Rabbits are vegetarians”, “Rabbits eyes, like people, cannot see well in the dark”—false, true, false).  I then read the book that introduced the kids to various fun facts about the

Having fun making their own "bunny" ears!

rabbit world, followed with the true/false quiz again.  I believe the kids were  surprised to realize what they thought they knew about bunnies was quite different from what they actually learned from the story!  The students then got a chance to learn about various rabbit breeds and again could see the surprised expressions to realize the little bunnies they typically see in the pet store or in their own backyard are not the only ones out there.  They learned about the small Chinchilla bunny (4 pounds) the Flemish Giant (up to 20+ pounds), and the very fluffy Angora.  They especially got a kick out of the picture I showed them of a small dog sitting on top of the Flemish Giant.  The final activity was for students to design posters for a fictional rescue rabbit adoption event, which they took home for more time to generate something really creative. I was very impressed with all they learned and what they came up with in their imaginative posters!

Some of the rabbit breeds the students learned about...

American Chinchilla

Angora

Flemish Giant

Some of the delightful posters created by the students...

Critters Care at Browning Elementary

On Tuesday, March 5, I had the wonderful opportunity to introduce my pet parrot ambassador, B.C., to Ms. Crow's 3rd grade class at Browning Elementary.  We started with a quick true/false quiz on some fun parrot facts to see where they stood on avian knowledge, such as " Parrots have five toes just like ours"; " Parrots are picky eaters and only eat bugs "; " Some parrots can talk or imitate sounds "; " Like cats, parrots hate water or baths "; and " Parrots necks can twist very far so they can search under things for food" (answers:  false; false; true; false; true), then I went on to story time with the whimsical book "If You Were A Parrot."  After story time, I again presented the previous quiz questions so the students could understand the facts they already knew were correct, and those that were different.  I followed this with more detailed descriptions of the various parrots that were illustrated in the story--Blue & Gold Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Nanday Conure, and African Grey--along with B.C.'s breed--Red-Lored Amazaon.  This was the time I could bring B.C. out of his clear plexiglass carrier for the students to get a closer view.  There were lots of questions, and lots of fun answers to share about this lovable (and ornery!) 29-year-old feathered friend of mine :-)  I explained to them the reason B.C. has a band around his ankle (because he was imported, most likely from Mexico); his aversion to the color orange; the fact he is missing one of his toenails because of a "spat" he got in with a Macaw at the pet store before I adopted him; how he loves to take showers with me; how he has a special aversion toward my husband, Chris, because B.C. considers me his partner and Chris just gets in the way; and how he loves to sing, but only to really loud video games or movies!  B.C. was definitely on his best behavior, so mama was very proud of him for his first educational outing!

B.C. in the back in his carrier protected from the kids (or the kids protected from his ornery nature?!)

The story time session ended with a writing/drawing activity where I asked the students to relate some of the fun things they learned from this presentation and/or draw what they or someone else might look like as a parrot.  I adored some of the quirky illustrations of B.C.--which just coincides with his eccentric nature--and some facts that stayed with them.  Looking forward to sharing my feathered buddy for future story time sessions!

One of the students bidding goodbye & thanking B.C. for a wonderful visit.

Some of the fun drawings from the students :-)

Chloe's Tales at Berry Elementary

Canine Reading Ambassador Chloe with her reading student

Chloe's Tales has had a wonderful new year semester working with one-on-one weekly reading sessions at Berry Elementary.  Chloe & I have been working with many of the same third grade students we had sessions with last Fall and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progress they have made, despite having about a month-and-a- half break due to my travels and their school schedule the past months.  Look forward to continuing our work as the semester progresses.

Chloe enjoyed learning about India during Berry's culture day

Chloe's Tales Library Event, Harmony Endeavor

C*R*A* Serenity with her reading student

On Tuesday, February 12th, I had the great opportunity to work with Harmony Endeavor Elementary with the Chloe's Tales program for a wonderful library event.  Julie Cambell, the school librarian, worked with Canine Reading Ambassador (C*R*A*) Chloe while I worked with C*R*A* Serenity to provide one-on-one reading sessions for a number of students ranging from K through 7th grade.  Some of the participating students had worked with us before and some were new to the program.  Each student were able to choose their book appropriate for their level, then a chance to give their participating C*R*A*  a special treat along with receiving a cute puppy sticker. All had a wonderful literary and canine experience and we look forward to our next upcoming event at their campus.  Thanks, Julie, for not only opening up your school and library for this program, but for being such an engaging volunteer.  Chloe loved all the love and attention she received from you and the students, as the photos well show!

Julie Campell and C*R*A* Chloe with their reading student

How to Love Your Dog--from Doggone Safe

Touch Your Dog

*Invite your dog to come to you for attention.  If your dog turns away or moves away, respect his wishes and leave him alone.  Many dogs like to be near you, but not necessarily to be touched.

*Scratch your dog on the side of the neck or on his chest.

*Avoid hugs and kisses.  People enjoy this, but most dogs don't like hugs and kisses.  They might tolerate it, but few actually enjoy it {although Chloe is one of those dogs that treasures hugs and kisses}.

*Invite your dog to sit with you while you read or watch tv.  Let him lean on you or put his head on your lap on his terms {Chloe adores it when kids lie on her during their reading sessions}.

*Some dogs enjoy a scratch behind the ears.  Most dogs don't enjoy hands coming down on the top of their heads.

*Pet your dog and then stop.  If he tries to get you to continue then you will know he likes it.

Play With Your Dog

*Play games like fetch and hide and seek that do not involve chasing or rough play.

*Take your dog for lots of walks.

Understand Your Dog

*Learn to read dog body language so that you can understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

*A happy dog pants and wags his tail loosely.  He may wag all over {Chloe is notorious for the whole body wag}.

*An anxious dog might show a half moon of white in his eye or he may lick his lips or yawn.  He may turn his head away or walk away.  He wants to be left alone.

*A dog that suddenly goes stiff and still is very dangerous and might be ready to bite.

*A dog with his mouth closed and ears forward and/or with his tail held high is busy thinking about something and does not want to be bothered.

Reward Your Dog

*Look for things your dog does right and give him a treat or praise, petting or play.  Never hit or yell at your dog.

*Give your dog a stuffed Kong or other long lasting chew treat to enjoy while he lies on a mat or in a crate.

Read more about dog bite prevention at www.doggonesafe.com

Chloe's Tales at Gardens Elementary, Pasadena

Canine Reading Ambassador Chloe with her literary partner

 Chloe's Tales had a wonderful library event at Gardens Elementary in Pasadena Wednesday, February 6.  About 20 students participated for one-on-one reading sessions ranging from 1st to 4th grade with 2 teams--Chloe & I, along with Canine Reading Ambassador Henry and his owner Jeff.  Each student had an opportunity for a meet-and-greet with their designated team, a reading time with a book of their choice, and a puppy sticker to end their session as well as a chance to give their canine ambassador a special treat (yes, just adding more "padding" to the pups, but they paid no mind!).  A good time was had by all, despite having to drive in the rainy weather (neither Henry nor Chloe were too keen on that, but once they saw the students ready for their arrival, the gloomy weather was quickly forgotten)!

Library events for Chloe's Tales can take place as a once-a-month event, quarterly, or otherwise.  If interested, please contact me on my facebook page or email.

Team Jeff and Canine Reading Ambassador Henry with their reading partner