We begin with a general presentation outdoors to a class or group, tailored to the ages of the children. After an overview, children are invited to go to each learning station, where trained adult volunteers help them approach, pet and interact with the animals. Generally, we take a pony, a miniature horse, a donkey, chickens and farm dogs. At each station, children learn specifics about approaching, handling, caring for and understanding for each animal. The teacher follows up with appropriate lesson plans-samples in each academic core subject area provided by the project.

As we expand through your generous contributions, we will be adding more new and exciting programs so that we can enhance more children's lives about the animals we live with.

Lisa Gillett-Kiriaze coordinates all aspects of the project.
Adults are trained to work with the animals and to manage the learning stations for the children.
Prepares the children ahead of time and presents class lessons (samples are provided) and follow up activities.

"Last Spring I was able to participate in the CLUK Program at Diablo Valley Montessori School in Lafayette. Lisa made her presentation to all 5 of their preschool/kindergarten classes, totaling over 100 children.

Through CLUK's program the children were introduced to two dogs, a group of chickens, a miniature donkey and a pony. After Lisa discussed safety and care issues with the children they were able to go around and touch all the animals and ask questions. I got to sit with a chicken on my lap as dozens of brave preschoolers touched it's beak and scaly feet and asked me a multitude of questions.

What impresses me most about Lisa's program is her ability to speak at the children's level. They listened intently to her animal education talk which not only included farm animals, but also a domestic animal that they meet every day. Thousands of children are bitten each year by 'man's best friend' and CLUK teaches the children that you never approach a dog without the owner's permission and then how to safely approach the animal in a non-threatening way.
Lisa's willingness and energy cannot be ignored and children reacted well to her program. For many of the children the program builds confidence as well educating them - an experience not available in any classroom."

Sincerely,

Amy Goodheart

"This past spring, I had the distinct privilege to volunteer for CLUK at the Montessori School. It was absolutely amazing to see the reactions of these children, many of whom have never touched a pony or gotten close to a bunch of funny-feathered chickens. They were so excited, and even those that were scared of dogs overcame their fears and were able to pet and love these working animals. Lisa did such a wonderful job explaining how each one of these animals serve a purpose on the farm and spoke of the responsibilities involved with having animals either as workers, as on a farm, or as pets. The kids learned a lot that day, not only about the kinds of animals that live on a farm, but about how their own lives are impacted by the animals and people that work on those farms. What a great experience for urban children!

I strongly urge any school to organize a 'CLUK Day' and let these kids have a 'hands on' experience that they will remember for a long time. I work with children at The High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon and know first hand how valuable real-life experiences are to kids of all ages."

Sincerely,

Tricia Maxson
Sales Manager, The High Desert Museum.

July 14, 2003

"My name is Laurie Bailey. I am a first grade teacher at Donald Rheem Elementary School in Moraga, CA. CLUK presented their animals to all three first grade classrooms at Donald Rheem School. CLUK began by giving my colleagues and me information on the various animals that they would be bringing so that we were able to prepare the students for their presentation. CLUK brought a Shetland pony, two Australian sheep dogs, a donkey, and various types of chickens to the campus. Lisa was well-prepared to speak with the children, as well as handle their various behaviors. She began by sitting the students in a large group to talk about all the animals before splitting the children into three different groups to have small, hands-on experiences with them. Lisa had her son Cody help her with the rules they use when they are handling and/or simply just being around the animals. She gave clear and concise boundaries for the students to follow in order to participate. The presentation emphasized the responsibility and caring for the animals, commitment, as well as safety of both animals and owners.

Lisa spoke about each animal in a way that was easily understandable to the first graders. They were allowed to ask questions before they began during the small group presentations. Lisa had two volunteers help her so that she could manage the Shetland pony and the donkey herself. The students were engaged and eager to ask questions as they went along. It was a wonderful experience for all the first graders. Lisa's compassion for animals was very evident and the students talk about her visits as one of the highlights of the year.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns at 925-283-6784."

Sincerely,

Laurie Bailey
First Grade Teacher, Donald Rheem Elementary School

"To Whom it may concern: I strongly Support CLUK's effort to bring farm and pet animals toschools. CLUK visited Diablo Valley Montessori School in the spring of 2003 and it was a wonderful experience for our children. Not only were they able to see and pet the very docile animals, but there was also a great emphasis placed on the needs of the animals. The children learned that it is a real responsibility to have an animal and that the animal needs to be fed, cared for and treated with kindness no matter what.

Lisa has a very calm manner with the children as well as the animals. Her presentation was well thought out and organized. As a teacher I especially appreciated the fact that she brought the animals to our school and it was not necessary to go through all of the hassle of arranging a field trip.

If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call me at 925-284-2344.

Sincerely,

Nancy Hartman
Teacher, Diablo Valley Montessori School