Learn Humane in the Classroom

Learn Humane lays the foundation for a kinder, more compassionate community. Through engaging programs, we teach youth and adults how to build respectful, responsible relationships—with both people and pets.

Request a Learn Humane Presentation

Invite Learn Humane to your classroom! We offer humane education presentations for all grade levels, available Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sessions can be tailored for single or multiple classrooms. See lesson options below:

Pet Care Basics

Pet Care Basics

Grades: K-5

Requires 45-60 minutes

Students explore responsible pet care by selecting items from our “grab bag” and discovering why pets need them. Through group discussion, they’ll also learn how pets and people are alike.

Perfect for K–2nd grade (available through 5th).

Meets Common Core and NM State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K-4.1,3
Health Ed K-4 Benchmark 1, Content Standard 1
Health Ed K-4 Benchmark 2, Content Standard 3
Social Studies K-4 Benchmark IIID
Strand: Civics & Gov’t. Content Standard III

Be a Tree- Dog Bite Prevention

Be a Tree- Dog Bite Prevention

Grades: K-4

Requires 45-60 minutes

Half of all children are bitten by a dog by age 12—but most bites are preventable! This fun, interactive presentation teaches K-4 students how to stay safe around dogs by reading body language and making smart choices.

Developed by Doggone Safe, Be a Tree empowers children with tools to prevent dog bites!

Meets Common Core and NM State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K-4.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K-4.3
Health Education Content Standard 3, K-4 Benchmark 3 and 6
Health Education Content Standard 5, K-4 Benchmark 1

Careers with Animals

Introducing Animal Humane and Animal Welfare

Introducing Animal Humane and Animal Welfare

Grades: 5-12

Requires 60 minutes

What is an animal shelter and why are they important? In this interactive presentation, students learn about Animal Humane New Mexico, how we help homeless and at-risk pets, and what they can do to make a difference—including spay & neuter, adoption, and proper animal care.

Meets Common Core and NM State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5-8
CCSS.Math.Content.6-8.SPA.1
Science Strand II: Standard II-Benchmark 1
Social Studies Strand: Civics & Gov’t. 5-8 Benchmark 2-D.7.1

Spay & Neuter

Spay & Neuter

Grades: 5-8

Requires 45-60 minutes

Pet overpopulation is a big issue in our state. In this slideshow and activity, students learn why spay and neuter matters and how our choices can help pets, people, animals, and communities.

Meets Common Core and NM State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5-8
CCSS.Math.Content.6-8.SPA.1
Science Strand II: Standard II- 5-8 Benchmark 1
Social Studies Strand: Civics & Gov’t. 5-8 Benchmark 3-D.7.1

Understanding Dog and Cat Body Language

Pet Loss and Grief

Grades: K-5

Requires 45-60 minutes

In this compassionate, age-appropriate lesson, students explore the concept of grief through the lens of pet loss. Using read-aloud stories, group discussions, and art activities, children learn to identify and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The lesson provides coping strategies such as memory boxes, storytelling, and open conversations, helping students honor their pets while building empathy, resilience, and healthy ways to process loss.

Meets Common Core and NM State Standards:
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.K.1
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.1.1
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.2.2
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.3.3
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.4.4
• CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.SL.5.5

Bundled Presentations

We are so excited to offer a bundling experience for the first time! Deepen your students' understanding of key animal welfare and social-emotional issues through three consecutive weeks of humane education lessons.

For our Elementary Bundle, we're offering Intro to Animal Humane, Pet Care Basics, and Be a Tree (Dog Bite Prevention).

For Middle/High School Students, we will be offering Introduction to Animal Welfare, Spay/Neuter, and Dog/Cat Body Language.

Each presentation lasts approximately one hour.

Presentations will be offered the first three weeks of every month on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

If requesting sessions for more than one class, please complete
one request per class.

Custom Presentations

Free Learn Humane Curriculum

Free Learn Humane Curriculum

Provide your own comprehensive humane education program for your students with our help! Free Learn Humane curriculum books are available for grades K-3 and 4-6. Curriculum is aligned with NM State Standards and is excellent as a unit on animal care. Click here to download the K-3 curriculum and here for the 4-6 material. Contact our Humane Education team for more information

Class Service Projects

Class Service Projects

Grades K-12

Our Humane Education team will help guide your students in hands-on service projects that support animals, people, and the environment. They will learn, create, and collaborate on topics like adoption, fostering, spay and neuter, empathy, and more—expressing their ideas through a variety of art, games, and discussion. These service projects are open to all grade levels, with chances for students to lead and inspire others. Click here for a list of of approved Service Projects.