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Let’s Explore Animal Rights & Anti-Speciesism

A couple years back, the 7-year-old took an interest in exploring the perspectives and experiences of animals, and how our family actions impact the critters around us. While the 7-year-old has successfully advocated for family meals to go pescatarian, the 9-year-old has developed an interest in archery and aspires to hunt animals to reduce reliance on factory farming.

I read them both the same books about animal rights, anti-speciesism, and the impact of environmental devastation we humans have on the other lives here on earth. Isn’t it weird how kids are their own people, developing differing perspectives and methods for coping with the responsibilities and challenges that face us as humans? Neat.

Read:

• Mrs. Noah’s Pockets (Ages 4-8)
• Shark Lady (Ages 3.5- 8)
• Camel in the Sun (Ages 4+)

Discuss:

Pick an animal to discuss

• What assumptions do we make about the lives of these animals in comparison with our own as humans?
• Where can we learn more about these animals?
• What direct and indirect impact do our human choices have on this animal and their environment?
• What responsibilities do we hold to be in sustainable relationships with these animals?

Take Action:

• What small change can we make in our daily lives to improve conditions for these animals?(Example: water conservation, switching from plastic containers to zero-waste shampoo, walking to a friend’s house instead of driving, eating vegetarian one more meal each week, buying from regenerative farms.)
• Legislate humane farming laws, via Ekō (formerly SumOfUs). A new California law drastically increases the minimum space farms must give several different animals, both for animals farmed in the state and animal products imported into the state. Governments around the world should follow California’s lead.
• Adopt a Wild Animal for your birthday!

More resources to dig deeper:

• Kids Stories on Animal Rights & Anti-Speciesism
• Animal Stories