While each first-grader's school day is packed with exciting lessons and fun projects, nothing quite beats the allure of the almighty field trip.
Recently, a lucky group of first-graders from Kinard Elementary School got the chance to go on likely the most adorable field trip we’ve ever come across.
Their teacher, Lauren Demarest, wanted to give these kids the opportunity to give back to their community in a new and exciting way. She took her class to Friends of York County Animal Shelter, where the kids read stories to lonely rescue animals.
Robin King, president of Friends of York County Animal Shelter, told LittleThings, “I would love to see other schools take a page from this innovative, forward-thinking educator.”
This touching story is a beautiful reminder that there is certainly no one way to be of service.
Keep scrolling through our gallery to learn more about how these amazing kids and rescue animals all benefited from this beautiful service project.
[H/T: The Dodo]
Recently, a group of first-graders in South Carolina got the chance to participate in an unbelievably adorable field trip.
Their teacher, Lauren Demarest, took them to Friends of York County Animal Shelter, books in tow, so that her class could brighten rescue animals' days in an inventive way: by reading them stories.
Robin King, president of Friends of York County Animal Shelter, told LittleThings of Demarest's idea: “She presented it to our shelter supervisor Mark Cassista, and he saw the benefit to the children and the animals.”
King continued: “All involved looked at it as an educational experience for the children, helping them further develop their reading skills.
"The shelter staff also handed out coloring pages to teach them a little about animals in general.”
Living out days in a shelter, waiting for a forever home, can be very taxing on these animals.
King told LittleThings, “Generally speaking, the animals at the shelter are scared, stressed and bewildered. Most of the dogs bark a lot when people are around.”
King continued, “…one-on-one attention with the children and the reading calmed them down. Several were totally relaxed and intently focused on the child and the book.”
This next-level socialization is a true gift, already having a huge impact on these animals' lives.
Billie Phillips, a volunteer at Friends of York Center Animal Shelter, seconded King’s comments, telling LittleThings: “I was one of the volunteers there and I can tell you it really was a great experience!
“The kids really enjoyed reading and interacting with the animals. The dogs and cats seemed to really be listening and it calmed them down.”
This field trip has already prompted amazing changes in many of these adorable animals' lives.
Thanks to the love and attention these children provided, as well as the social media attention spawned by the event's endearing pictures, pet adoptions from this shelter have recently skyrocketed.
King continued to LittleThings, “This was a wonderful positive experience for the children, animals and our volunteers. Many volunteers have asked me how soon it might happen again.”
Demarest's genius field trip empowered these children with the valuable lesson that making a difference in their community can be as simple as sharing their talents with those in need.
Demarest told the Dodo: "The kids feel like they saved their [the animals'] lives by helping them find forever homes. They're feeling so much pride. It really is beautiful."
By venturing outside of the normal realm of field trip possibilities, this teacher was able to facilitate a unique experience, empowering these first-graders to simultaneously become strong readers and supportive community members.
This first-grade class read to these adorable rescue animals, and everyone walked away from the experience filled with love and light.
What do you think of this heartwarming story? Have you spent time with rescue animals? Tell us your story in the comments.
Please SHARE this beautiful story with other animal lovers in your community!
