UAN's Humane Education Ambassador Reader (HEAR) program helps children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion. HEAR volunteers visit elementary school classrooms, after-school programs, animal shelters and other venues to read to children and lead discussions -- helping children develop critical thinking skills and empathy.
HEAR volunteers and the children they reach share information about animals, reflect on the roles of animals in their communities and determine our responsibilities toward them.
To help children develop empathy and critical thinking skills, HEAR volunteers read a story aloud, discuss it, then oversee an art or writing project that emphasizes the concepts gleaned from the book.
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The HEAR program aligns with academic content standards in the United States and Canada.
The HEAR reading list includes:
- A Home for Nathan
- Buddy Unchained
(Listen to an audio clip of a HEAR volunteer reading this story or read the transcript)
- Duncan & Dolores
- Freckles and Willie
- Ginger Finds a Home
- "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate
- Lucky Boy
- Max Talks to Me
- Mrs. Crump's Cat
- Oh, Theodore!
- Orville: A Dog Story
- So, What's it Like to be a Cat?
One teacher said HEAR volunteer visits with his students "reinforced and deepened their understanding of what it means to be responsible for other living beings."
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How the program works
After attending a daylong training workshop, HEAR volunteers identify outreach opportunities at schools, animal shelters, youth groups and other settings, then use the humane education resources offered by United Animal Nations to facilitate storytelling and discussion.
Elementary school teachers are also able to implement the HEAR curriculum in their own classroom once trained.
Upcoming HEAR volunteer training workshops
Research findings on HEAR
The HEAR program promotes empathy by presenting powerful stories, encouraging children to put themselves in the place of animals, and asking questions that promote critical thinking. A 2009 pilot study of the HEAR program conducted by Inverness Research, Inc. suggests that HEAR:
- Builds self-esteem and motivates students to take an important subject seriously
- Stimulates additional student-directed learning
- Builds students’ knowledge and potentially affects their behaviors related to caring for pets
- Builds students’ empathy and compassion for pets
Read the full research findings (PDF)
Additional resources
Stay informed about the HEAR program >>
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