School and Youth Programs
The Potter League is proud to offer a variety of school and youth programs FREE to Newport County schools and youth organizations. Lessons usually average 45 minutes in length, and either a book, activity, or short video accompanies most presentations. In addition to our regular offerings, we would be happy to tailor a program to meet your class’ needs. For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact Anastacia Southland, Humane Educator, by calling 401 846-0592 ext.120 or by e-mail.
THIRD GRADE CLASS SERIES
Through this seven-lesson program children learn about proper pet care, the role of animal shelters, the problem of pet overpopulation, respect for wildlife, dog bite prevention, and more. The focus of these weekly classes is to teach students to think about and care for animals so that they develop kinder habits and will grow to be more humane and considerate adults.
SEVENTH GRADE CLASS SERIES
Our seventh grade program is a five-class series is aimed at helping the students to develop their own humane ethic. Weekly lessons include endangered species, coyotes on Aquidneck Island, pet overpopulation and the history of animal shelters, and how animals are used for entertainment and sport. Through these examples, students are taught to evaluate how animals are used in our society so that they can make decisions, such as where to spend their money, according to what they feel is right.
PRESCHOOL & EARLY ELEMENTARY PRESENTATIONS
Our preschool/early elementary lessons are approximately 30 minutes long and include reading an age appropriate book and doing an interactive activity.
Taking Good Care of a Dog: Taking good care of a dog is a lot of work and a big responsibility. Children learn what people need to do to be responsible dog owners and have a happy, healthy dog. Pre-K & Kindergarten
*Optional visit from a certified therapy dog upon request.
The Role of Animal Shelters and their Workers: Students learn about how animals get to the animal shelter, and what shelters do for the public. Jobs at the shelter are discussed using an interactive activity, including how children can help animals by becoming junior volunteers. Kindergarten to Grade 2
What Our Pets Need: Our pets are different from wild animals. They can’t take care of themselves and need things from people to stay happy and healthy. Class can focus on responsible ownership of a dog, cat, or rabbit/small mammal. Grades 1 & 2
*Optional visit from a shelter pet upon request when available.
COYOTE & DOG SAFETY PRESENTATIONS
The safety of our children is of prime concern to the Potter League. The Potter League offers important safety education FREE to all classrooms in Newport County schools! The presentation can be adapted for any age group and can be as short as 10 minutes.
Staying Safe around Animals: Students learn what to do if they see a loose, unknown dog in their yard or neighborhood. They are taught and practice how to safely meet and pet a dog they don’t know. Pre-K to Grade 3
*Optional visit from a certified therapy dog upon request.
Coyotes on Aquidneck Island: Students learn about coyote behavior, the need to protect their cats and dogs, and why garbage and pet food should not be available to subsidize coyotes’ diets. The class includes an overview of coyotes’ appearance in RI and data from the ongoing Narragansett Bay Coyote Study. Students end the class by practicing how to respond should they encounter a coyote. Grades 4 to 8
TOURS
We proudly offer tours for School Groups and Youth Organizations of our new animal care and education center with home-like animal housing. The Potter League' building has been LEED certified at the Gold level by the U.S. Green Building Council and the tour incorporates environmental education by showcasing the "green" features of the new facility.