Embark on a wild adventure of learning as students explore animal behaviour through observation, evidence and critical thinking. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, students learn how cats and dogs communicate and how observation skills can be used to better understand the world around them.

Created by the City of Calgary's Animal Care & Pet Licensing team, Wise Whiskers combines education, entertainment and essential life skills. Developed by certified teachers and animal welfare professionals, the program helps students build observation, communication and critical-thinking skills while learning how to safely interact with pets.

Teacher-led classroom resource for Grades 3 and 4

This cross-curricular lesson series supports Grade 3 and 4 learning outcomes in Science and English Language Arts while helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely interact with both familiar and unfamiliar dogs. Teachers receive access to a comprehensive teaching guide, lesson slides, student activities, graphic organizers, and optional extension resources through the Wise Whiskers Google Drive folder.

Eligible City of Calgary teachers may also request a free classroom kit containing reusable teaching materials, student worksheets, a copy of Fuego's Feelings by Nina Muller, and the Dog Smart card game. All lessons can be completed with or without a classroom kit, making the program flexible and accessible for all classrooms.

Through engaging lessons and activities, students:

• Practice making observations and gathering evidence
• Explore animal behaviour and dog body language
• Develop critical-thinking and communication skills
• Compare observations and inferences
• Support ideas using evidence and reasoning
• Build confidence when interacting with dogs

Resources available

• Teaching guide
• Lesson slides
• Student activities
• Graphic organizers
• Optional extension activities
• Classroom kit

Note: A Google account is not required to access the resources. If you experience technical difficulties, signing in to a Google account often resolves the issue.

View the Grade 3 and 4 curriculum outcomes and learning targets (PDF)

Our interactive classroom workshop is delivered by members of The City of Calgary's Animal Care & Pet Licensing team.

Students learn to recognize cat and dog body language, explore how evidence is used to answer questions about animal behaviour and develop skills that help them safely navigate real-world interactions with pets.

Highlights

• Interactive and hands-on learning
• Cat and dog body language activities
• Observation and evidence-based activities
• Real-world animal safety scenarios
• Curriculum connections for Grades 5 and 6

Program details

• Free of charge
• Up to 32 students per session
• Delivered in your classroom
• Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• 2 hours in length