Caring for Animals – Primary PSHE and Science Lesson on Empathy, Responsibility, and Pet Care

Caring for Animals – Primary PSHE and Science Lesson on Empathy, Responsibility, and Pet Care

Description:
Teach Primary pupils how to care for animals with kindness and respect through this engaging PSHE and Science lesson. Using movement, creative play, and discussion, children learn about the needs of animals, how to treat them gently, and why empathy and responsibility are essential when caring for living things.

Lesson Overview:
Starter Activity: Animal Sounds and Movements Game – Pupils move and sound like different animals to build excitement and curiosity.

Main Activities:
Guided discussion on how to care for pets and animals (food, water, shelter, love, and gentle handling)
Optional visit or observation of a class pet or animal brought by a volunteer
Create Animal Care Guides with drawings and simple care tips
Role-play pet care using props (feeding, cleaning, gentle play)
Sort Wild vs. Pet Animals using picture cards
Play the Animal Homes Matching Game to link animals with their habitats
Classroom Culture: Emphasise respect for animals and for classmates who may be nervous. Focus on caring, empathy, and understanding rather than ownership.

Assessment:
Pet care knowledge check – can pupils explain how to care for different types of animals?
Review of Animal Care Guides for understanding of animal needs
Teacher observation of pupils’ interactions and participation

Skills Developed:
Empathy and compassion for living creatures
Understanding the basic needs of animals
Responsible and respectful behaviour
Social-emotional learning and care for others

Each Lesson Pack Contains:
1 Fully Editable PowerPoint (Learning Outcomes, Assessment of Learning, Variety of Tasks, Engaging Premium Slides, Medium-Term Planning Notes)

Perfect for Primary PSHE or Science lessons on empathy, animal care, and responsibility. Ideal for pet awareness weeks, animal-themed projects, or wellbeing and kindness sessions.