Preschoolers are at a level of development at which they begin to see themselves as a unique entity – this leads to an interest in the world around them, in particular similarities and differences between objects, people and animals. An increased self awareness also allows them to become more social as they begin to understand that animals and other people have feelings and points of view that might be different from their own and during this time they learn about respect, fairness and sharing. Preschoolers also  start to look up to adults for guidance and are eager to get things right rather than just following their own desires. They are interested in learning right from wrong and good from bad.

Similarities and Differences

As pre-schoolers begin to start appreciating similarities and differences it is an ideal time to start exploring the similarities and differences between humans and other animals in anatomy, physiology and behaviour. Understanding other animals and appreciating their unique qualities as well the things they have in common with people will encourage respect for them. It is important to make children aware at young age that other animals feel a wide range of emotions just as they do and they have sense of well-being which should be taken in to account.

Developing social skills and awareness of others

Pre-school children begin to develop increased self awareness which leads to more sociable behavior and attributing thoughts and feelings to other animals and people.  As well as rapid learning of empathy, respect, fairness and sharing.  Most of a child’s development happens naturally and follows a predictable maturational sequence. However social skills do not develop so automotically and child psychologists have found that social and moral learning require considerable guidance. That’s where humane educators—just like parents, teachers, and other adults play an important role.  As pre-school children begin to appreciate how others feel, humane education can help guide them to include animals in their sense of empathy.

Teacher can introduce the concept of fair play, for example our pets give us love and brighten up our lives therefore we should treat them well and care for them .  At this stage you could do lessons on how the children think animals feel in certain situations and explain that it might not be how they think. For example, captive whales and dolphins! Children love to see them in shows and swim with them but do they think the whales and dolphins enjoy it?

A pre-schoolers developing social skills would allow for lessons on personal space and what it is and isn’t ok do to animals. Do they like people getting to close and picking them up? If not why not? Do they think the animals experience the same feelings of frustrations and anger when they prod and poke them? They should respect personal space and allow the animal to initiate contact etc.  In the case of wild animals they should respect that animal in it’s habitat and try not to disturb it.