Books, videos/DVDs and games available
for loan
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The following books, videos, and games are available for loan to classroom teachers in Torrance - at no charge to the teacher! To request materials, or set up a meeting at your school to review the materials, send an e-mail to FTA@onebox.com with your name, school address/grade level, phone number, which materials you want to borrow, and your preferred timeframe (e.g. November 1-8, April 10-15).
Priority is given to participants in our Adopt-A-Classroom program. While guidelines for ages are given, teachers are responsible for reviewing materials to insure they are age-appropriate before class presentation. To be notified when new materials become available, please send an e-mail to FTA@onebox.com with the subject "Please notify me about new materials".
Books
Featured book:
ASPCA Humane Education Resource Guide for Teachers
Revised and updated, this resource guide is the perfect tool for teachers wishing to incorporate humane themes into their lessons. Keeping pets in the classroom, guidelines for student projects involving animals, students' rights concerning dissection and alternatives to dissecting animals are some of the areas covered in the guide.
CALENDAR FOR PLANNING ANIMAL LESSONS
Perhaps most useful, the ASPCA Humane Education Resource Guide for Teachers includes a calendar of important animal-friendly dates and months matched to corresponding standards-based activities and lesson plans. Teachers will also find a wealth of suggestions for students who must fulfill community service requirements and want their service to benefit animals, plus recommendations of books and videos that promote humane attitudes.
Spiral-bound, 8 1/2" x 11", 151 pages
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Humane Education Guidebook Created by the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania Education Committee and sponsored by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The guidebook includes the complete presentations for 21 topics, all developed by experienced humane educators and printed in an easy-to-follow format. A handy chart will help you determine which topics are appropriate for which grade level. Three-ring binder,10 1/8" x 11 5/8", 244 pages. |
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BARK Dog Bite Prevention Programú Every year, more than 4 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs. Most of those victims are children under the age of thirteen. Thanks to NAHEE's new BARK (Be Aware, Responsible, and Kind) Dog Bite Prevention Program, you can help keep kids safe around dogs, reduce the number of dog-bite-related injuries in your communityóand positively enhance the bond between people and dogs. The BARK program is the only program of its kind that's been proven effective in teaching elementary-school students how to behave safely around dogs. (Spiegel, I.B. 2000. "A pilot study to evaluate an elementary school-based dog bite prevention program." Anthrozoös, 13(3):164-173) Perfect for use by teachers, humane educators, and parents, the BARK program consists of Dogs, Cats & Kids, a 25-minute video, and a fun, easy-to-use activity book of lessons, reproducible worksheets, and coloring pages designed to teach kids how to avoid being bitten |
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Play It Safe with Dogs / Fuera de peligro en compañía de perrosú Play It Safe with Dogs/Fuera de peligro en compañía de perros teaches children how to avoid dog bites as well as reduce the chance that their own dogs will bite. The 32-page coloring book features both Spanish and English text, along with large, easy-to-color pictures. |
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How to Be a Helping Hand for Dogs and Cats / Como darles una mano a los perros y los gatosú Help students brush up on two languages, learn about proper pet care, and have fun all at the same time with this 32-page coloring book that features pet care tips in both Spanish and English. Popular with children since 1992, this updated version is a great resource for teachers, homeschoolers, and humane educators who want to teach children humane behavior as well as enhance their bilingual language skills. |
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Lizards: Weird and Wonderful Author: Facklam, Margery Publisher: Little, Brown and Co., 2003 Hardcover, 32 pages Ages 6-8 Do you know the difference between a lizard and a salamander? Can you imagine a lizard that can run on water, or why scientists are interested in gecko's sticky feet? You'll discover how the chuckwalla's loose skin can save its life, and why a national park was created just for the world's largest lizards. The book includes descriptions and dynamic illustrations fo 13 animals, plus a chart of differences between snakes, lizards, and salamanders. |
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The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad
Pig Author: Eugene Trivizas, Helen Oxenbury (Illustrator) Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; 1st United States ed edition (September 30, 1993) Hardcover, 32 pages Ages 5-10 The three little wolves build several houses out of different materials, but the big bad pig uses different tools to destroy each one. Finally, the house they build out of flowers appeals to the pig, and they all live happily ever after. |
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Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered
Sea Turtles Author: Lasky, Katherine Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2001 Hardcover, 40 pages Ages 8 & up This is an ecological adventure book, beginning with a 10-year-old boy who finds a nearly dead turtle on a Cape Cod beach. The action moves to the Florida Keys, and the beaches of Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. A one-hour VHS tape, " a sea turtle story" is available to help increase understanding of the topic (see below). |
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Koko-Love!: Conversations with a Signing
Gorilla Author: Patterson, Francine Publisher: Dutton Children's Books, 1999 Hardcover, 32 pages Ages 6-8 Koko can communicate with humans through a special form of American Sign Language. She can ask and answer questions, make jokes, tell stories, and use a computer.Koko has a very active emotional life, and conveys feelings of love, grief, and even embarrassment. Color photographs illustrate her adventures. |
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Will We Miss Them?: Endangered Species Author: Wright, Alexander Publisher, Charlesbridge, 1992 Softcover, 32 pages Ages 8 & up Alexandra Wright, an 11-year-old author, introduces amazing animals that are disappearing from the Earth. Short profiles of the bald eagle, African elephant, blue whale, panda, Galapagos tortoise, mountain lion, whooping crane, grizzly bear, manatee, muriqui, rhinoceros, mountain gorilla, and crocodile are beautifully illustrated. |
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The Chimpanzees I Love: Saving their World
and Ours Author: Goodall, Jane Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2001 Hardcover, 80 pages Ages 8 & up Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned wildlife advocate and scientist, tells of meeting and studying wild chimpanzees and the exciting discoveries she has made in her decades-long career. While Goodall describes many threats to the animals, she ends with a note of hope and invites readers to join her efforts in protecting chimps worldwide. |
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Dive!: My Adventure in the Deep Frontier Author: Earle, Sylvia A. Publisher: National Geographic Society, 1999 Hardcover, 64 pages Ages 8 & up Dr. Sylvia Earle explores an alien world, right here on Earth. As an aquanaut, she headed a team who lived in an underwater laboratory for two weeks. She traveled from Hawaii to Alaska to study humpback whales. The book features beautiful photographs, a timeline of ocean exploration, glossary, and index. |
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Hoot! Author: Carl Hiaasen Publisher: Knopf, 2002 Hardcover, 292 pages Ages 10 & up A Newbery-Honor winning novel for young readers, a Main Selection of the Children's Book-of-the-Month Club. From Publishers Weekly: "With a Florida setting and proenvironment, antidevelopment message, Hiaasen (Sick Puppy) returns to familiar turf for his first novel for young readers." |
Critters with Character Lesson
Plansú
Videos/DVDs/Games
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The Lorax |
DVD: Dr. Seuss: The Lorax (also includes Dr. Seuss' Pontoffel Pock & His Magic Piano) The award-winning animated television shows that brought the wondrous world of Dr. Seuss to life are now available for the first time ever on DVD! These timeless flights of fancy created by the one-and-only Dr. Seuss have enchanted children and their parents for generations. Brilliantly re-mastered, these shows sparkle with unforgettable characters and irresistible Seussian songs. The award-winning tale of The Lorax tells the story of the greedy, tree-chopping Once-lers and the brave little Lorax who speaks up for the vanishing forest. Then, in Pontoffel Pock and His Magic Piano, a young Dill Pickle Works worker wishes he could get away from it all ' and has his wish granted in a head-spinning, globe-trotting, song-singing way by the magical McGillicuddy! Run Time: 52 Minutes |
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Sing, Hoot & Howl |
DVD: Sing, Hoot & Howl with the Sesame
Street Animals Come hear the call of the wild as Big Bird leads a musical menagerie in some of the funniest and silliest songs ever. You'll want to sing, hoot and howl along with these twelve terrific tunes by animals, for animals, and about animals. There's Ernie's immortal "Insects In Your Neighborhood," the timeless "Cluck Around The Clock" and many, many more. The beastly beat goes on and on with this kooky collection of hits! Songs: Old MacDonald Had A Farm; Cow Dog Song; Baa Baa Bamba; Starfish; Insects In Your Neighborhood; I'm An Aardvark; Pigs Love Song; Proud To Be A Cow; We Are All Earthlings; Kids; Egg Chicken; Cluck Around The Clock Run Time: approximately 30 minutes |
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A Sea Turtle Story |
VHS: A Sea Turtle Story Sea Turtles are one of the oldest forms of animals in the ocean, with ancestors dating back to prehistoric times. Today, however, they are threatened all over the world, and all because of human activities: net entanglement, over-hunting, and pollution. A Sea Turtle Story gives us a unique look into the life of sea turtles, the enormous problems they are faced with, and an educational perspective on how we can collectively help to resolve their dilemma. Only when we understand the Sea Turtle's critical role in maintaining the health of the oceans can we initiate successful efforts to save them. A Sea Turtle Story celebrates these reptiles, and leads to the inevitable conclusion that we must act boldly and decisively before it is too late. A film by EarthViews Productions, producers of The Free Willy Story: Keiko's Journey Home (Discovery Channel). Run Time: approximately 60 minutes |
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My Friends at the Farm |
Video: My Friends at the Farm: A Farm Sanctuary
Cultivating Compassion Video My Friends at the Farm is an exciting video produced by Farm Sanctuary. Narrated by actor Casey Affleck, it is the first video ever to introduce the realities of factory farming to children as young as 8 years old in an age-appropriate way. By contrasting the peaceful lives of individual sanctuary animals with lives of billions of animals raised for the food industry, children are encouraged to think critically about the consequences of their food choices. Dan Piraro's cartoon narratives take three animal "ambassadors" from the factory farm to their new homes at Farm Sanctuary. In the words of one teacher: "This educational video handles an important and thought-provoking topic in a delicate and sensitive way. Children can relate to this video. It gives them a positive message and empowers them to do something. Children and adults might be surprised to learn what goes on in farms today, but Farm Sanctuary shows the truth while still being age appropriate. I would recommend the video to teachers who want to encourage an engaging dialogue among students about the treatment of animals." Run Time: approximately 25 minutes |
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Troubadour's Tales storybook and CD |
Troubadour's Tales (TM) storybook and CD A powerful medium for teaching humane values, stories provide context, create empathy, and can even inspire compassionate action. The charmingly-illustrated Troubadour's Tales storybook features 20 short stories designed to kindle respect and kindness toward people and animals and build childrenís interest in literature. Stories illustrate valuable character concepts and include such themes as the human/companion animal bond, wildlife appreciation, and responsible pet care. A questions section invites discussion and creative writing. Troubadour's Tales is perfect for independent reading or for storytime at school. All the stories in the book are brought to life by dramatic narration and realistic sound effects on the Troubadour's Tales audio CD, a 2004 Parents' Choice Approved Award winner. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Storybook (48 pages) and CD (63 minutes) |
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Doggone Crazy! Board Game |
Doggone Crazy! Board Game Can you speak dog? Doggone Crazy! teaches children the dos and dont's of safe behavior around dogs and helps them learn to interpret dogs' body language - a key factor in avoiding close canine encounters of the unwanted kind. Developed by dog-bite prevention educators and dog trainers, this colorful board game is kid tested and loads of fun. Doggone Crazy! comes complete with question cards, game pieces, and full color photographs of dogs expressing a full range of emotions through their body postures. Players quiz one another and act out safe behaviors as they race around the board collecting bones. Ages 4-adult (requires at least 1 player with 3rd grade reading skills); 2-6 players required. |
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Fundanas Scavenger Game |
FundanasTM Scavenger Game Each colorful bandanna is printed with a scavenger hunt nature game designed to teach kids about the animals and environment around them. No loose pieces. Fundanas are portable, wearable, washable, and reuseable. 100% cotton Three games: Bug Bingo, Nature Quest, Wild Bird Bingo |
Guest Speakers
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Whale Rescue Team |
Whale Rescue Team Peter Wallerstein (310)
455-2729 For 20 years, Whale Rescue Team volunteers have come to the aid of entangled or beached whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea birds along the California coast. Whale Rescue Team volunteers have rescued thousands of marine animals. Whale Rescue Team volunteers also conduct educational resentations and community outreach programs throughout Los Angeles County. In addition to our rescue expertise the Whale Rescue Team is a advocate for marine wildlife networking with organizations throughout the world. The Whale Rescue Team vigorously opposes the capture znd confinement of healthy marine mammals. |
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CPR For Your Pet: Animal First Aid Saving your pet's life could be as simple as ABC - if you know what to do. Lean what to keep posted by your phone or refrigerator; what you should have in a first-aid kit; what to do if your pet is choking; how to tell if your pet needs CPR; how to perform CPR on your pet - and more. Animal Ambulance, Inc. 1-(866)-4-PET-911; www.mypet2vet.com |
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Wildlife Inspector at LAX |
Mike Osborn, Supervisory Wildlife Inspector,
US Fish & Wildlife Service, (310) 328-6307 At Los Angeles International Airport, the nation's largest designated port, Wildlife Inspectors clear hundreds of legal imports per week and intercept numerous shipments that are found not to be in compliance. As a Supervisory Wildlife Inspector in the Division of Law Enforcement of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, Mike Osborn helps enforce U.S. and international laws to protect wildlife. Mr. Osborn has been a guest speaker for Friends of Torrance Animals and other community groups. He describes the challenges of enforcing the Wild Bird Conservation Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other major wildlife protection laws. He shows photos and examples of wildlife and wildlife products confiscated from the thousands of boxes, in dozens of shipments that enter Los Angeles every day. |
