by Janice Krish
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KIND News gives young readers a glimpse into the lives of animals. ©iStock.com |
What kind of dog likes to take bubble baths? A shampoodle of course!
Colorful, playful, and filled with riddles, puzzles, critters, and a green chameleon to search for each month, KIND News is celebrating 25 years of captivating children.
Recognizing a child's natural love for animals, the award-winning classroom newspaper has reached two hundred million students nationwide, featured more than 3,800 kids, and become the most widely used humane education resource for teachers, parents, and animal sheltering professionals.
KIND News shows elementary students that pets are pals with physical and emotional needs and introduces them to the importance of spaying and neutering.
Problem-Solving Tool
"Humane education is an important step toward making life better for animals. It's the key to solving problems like pet overpopulation and animal abuse," said Kappy Munzer, executive director of Citizens for Animal Protection. "To my thinking, kids have to be taught to be kind and KIND News helps them learn kindness to animals and to people," she said.
Fostering an appreciation for all life, KIND News gives young readers a glimpse into the lives of creatures of all kinds—polar bears, coqui frogs, and gila monsters to name a few.
"Thank you for sending KIND News to our class. It tells us new things we do not know about," wrote fifth grader, Carlton H.
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| KIND News gives young readers a glimpse into the lives of animals. ©iStock.com |
Dr. Kind, the newspaper's featured veterinarian, has fielded more than 6,000 queries including, Dear Dr. Kind, What should I do if I find a stray dog or cat? Do hedgehogs make good pets? Why do people say that cats have nine lives?
Kids are full of questions, and KIND News has been a reliable source for answers throughout the years.
Leading by Example
Featuring kind celebrities, such as animal-loving Dakota Fanning of "Charlotte's Web" and the musician Moby, KIND News introduces young people to humane role models.
In the early issues, Mr. T. of The "A-Team" found his way into the newspaper for his involvement in saving wild horses. Kermit the Frog became a favorite for his message of keeping animals out of science fair projects.
In KIND News, kids are stars too! Inspired by what they read, students take action and start KIND clubs to help needy animals and to educate others.
One featured drama class uses a bunny named Bun-Bun to help students understand the responsibilities of caring for animals in show business and teach that animals are not props.
When Bun-Bun gets stage fright, they use a stage double—a fuzzy toy rabbit!
Whether they are baking dog treats as a fundraiser for their local shelter, preparing emergency kits for pets, or working on Mission: Humane projects, these young humane heroes are shining examples of what children can do when given the guidance to lend a compassionate hand.
Kids Give KIND an A+
Hearing from young people has been one of the greatest benefits for those who sponsor KIND News through the Adopt-a-Classroom program.
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"KIND News is the best thing that's happened to this school," noted a Colo. KIND user. ©The HSUS |
A boy from Hot Springs Ark., who received the newspaper in second grade said, "I'm going into third grade next year. Will I still get the KIND News?"
The Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League then decided to adopt classrooms for every grade up to the sixth. One third grader from Flagler, Colo., wrote, "KIND News is the best thing that's happened to this school."
Bright Futures
What becomes of KIND News readers when they grow up?
After 25 years, stories are emerging of adults who still feel the impact of the colorful little newspaper they received as children.
"I joined The HSUS at the age of 10," said Vicki Stevens, communications manager and National Spay Day USA coordinator for The HSUS.
"The information I learned about the plight of animals from KIND (then known as Kindness in Nature's Defense), solidified my commitment to helping animals and helped set my life's course," said Stevens. "The tradition of inspiring young people continues."
To receive KIND News or to adopt a classroom, visit www.humanesociety.org/youth, or call 860-434-8666.
Did you receive KIND News as a child? Has your organization "adopted" classrooms? Tell your KIND News story»
