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Barnyard Buddies:  Teaching kids animal body language  |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 1:31:56 PM
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The preschoolers are coming to our farm and I was thinking of things that I would like to talk about. Something that I taught my kids early is how to read animals, to stay safe. Things like if the cats tail is wagging while you are petting him, he wants you to stop or he is going to bite or scratch.
I started thinking about this because they are coming to see the animals and I don't want anyone to get hurt.
Do you guys have any suggestions or fun ways to teach the kids about it?
http://love-in-a-mist-shannon.blogspot.com/ |
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Garden_artist
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Tammy
Southern Coast Oregon
182 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 1:37:33 PM
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I think this is a great idea. Also maybe what they like to eat. What their purpose is on the farm. Just a thought.
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 5:24:01 PM
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Shannon-
What a great idea! That breaks away from the traditional speeches that kids get at farms and would really be fun for the kids! I think it would make them feel really special and smart to know something so specific about the animals.
Ciao
Alee |
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EmmJay
True Blue Farmgirl
352 Posts
Mary Jane
Amherst
Nova Scotia
Canada
352 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 6:17:48 PM
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Shannon, this is a GREAT idea....what about adding what they would do (Purr) when they are happy or content? Just a thought and to keep it positive.
MJ
"Thank GOD I'm a country girl"
http://s119.photobucket.com/albums/o134/EmmJay07/ |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 4:30:13 PM
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Got puppets? Makes showing the different behaviors easier, and less risky. What behaviors will you focus on / what animals? I think you have a great, high-interest topic. Good for you! So many people forget to watch and learn from critters, and then are amazed by "the horse whisperer" or "the dog whisperer". It's right there to see, if we take time to watch how they communicate with eachother.
We make a difference. |
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Love-in-a-Mist
True Blue Farmgirl
367 Posts
Shannon
Independence
Oregon
USA
367 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 7:32:11 PM
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Oooohh puppets are a good idea! I think the most practical for them to learn would be dogs. I thought about doing a little demo with my border collie she is really easy to read. I'm going to keep my dogs locked up though, just in case. Also my horse, she'll be in a stall with only her head showing. She'll do lots of ear movements and then the llamas do alot of funny things.
One thing I learned in dog training, that's kind of interesting is when dogs growl, our typical reaction is to tell them to stop or discipline them. Then they learn to hide their "warnings", so they won't get in trouble, but they still have the bad feelings. Then when they bite, people say "It just happened out of the blue, I don't know why?" Something to think about.
http://love-in-a-mist-shannon.blogspot.com/ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 09:18:02 AM
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My dog is an alpha dog. She gives great warnings to the other dogs such as the way she holds her head and tail, showing her teeth, and then finally growling before she attacks to drive off the other dog. I learned the hard way not to tell her "no" when she is doing this. I was trying to correct her alpha behavior with other dogs, but it was actually escalading it. I finally figured out what was going on and (in combination with tons of other training and conditioning) we settled on me saying "Easy" in a soothing voice when she gets to be in situations where she is wanting to be alpha. This is her cue that I know what is going on and she doesn't have to be defensive. It really is amazing the difference it has made!
Alee |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 4:36:51 PM
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| Oh, practical. Get a shark puppet too. If they get bored, give them some shark warning signs to think about....fins down means they'll attack...no, they might get upset. Yeah, I think you'll do fine with the "dog and pony act". Sorry, couldn't resist. Very helpful and interesting. Be sure to sprinkle in some warning signs Mommies use... :) Might get some giggles out of them. |
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Barnyard Buddies: Teaching kids animal body language |
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Teaching kids animal body language
