Teaching young children about caring for pets is a wonderful way to foster empathy, responsibility, and kindness. This preschool pet lesson plan uses the charming story Just Me and My Puppy by Mercer Mayer as a springboard to help students learn the four basic elements of pet care: feeding, walking, teaching tricks, and cleaning up after pets.
Through storytelling, song, movement, and creative activities, children will better understand what it means to love and care for an animal.
Prior Knowledge: Setting the Stage for Pet Care Learning
This pet-themed lesson fits perfectly into a broader unit on animals or living things. To deepen the experience:
- Consider adopting a small classroom pet (like a hamster, fish, or guinea pig).
- Create a classroom pet journal with clear instructions for care.
- Allow students to take the pet home for weekends, encouraging families to contribute journal entries and photos about their time together.
This hands-on experience makes lessons about responsibility real and memorable.
Teach: Story Time and Discussion
Begin by seating students in a cozy circle and reading Just Me and My Puppy aloud.
After the story, invite students to discuss:
- What are some things a pet needs every day?
- How does Little Critter show love to his puppy beyond cuddles?
- What responsibilities do we take on when we have a pet at home?
Key Discussion Points:
- Feeding and giving fresh water
- Walking and exercise
- Teaching behaviors or tricks
- Cleaning up after them
- Providing love and attention
Encourage children to share their own experiences if they have pets at home.
Sing: A Caring for Pets Song
Reinforce the basics of pet care through music! Teach students this simple and memorable song, set to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
🎵
Love, love, love your pets,
Love them every day.
Give them food
And water, too,
Then let them
Run and play.
🎵
(Author Unknown)
Singing helps children internalize the steps of caring for a pet in a fun and active way.
Procedure: Play a Pet Care Game
Materials Needed:
- Colored construction paper
- Scissors
- Small stuffed animals (one per child, extras on hand)
Preparation:
Before the lesson, cut out pet-related objects from construction paper, such as:
- Dog bones
- Balls
- Brushes
- Shoes
- Brooms
- Food dishes
Make sure there’s at least one of each object for every student. Scatter these around the floor before beginning the game.
Game Instructions:
- Have each child bring or borrow a small stuffed animal.
- Explain that they are “pet trainers” today!
- Stand in the center and call out commands like “Feed your pet!” or “Walk your pet!”
- Students must find the corresponding object on the floor and use it appropriately.
(For example, for “Walk your pet,” find the shoe and pretend to walk their stuffed animal.) - After each round, mix up the objects and call out a new command.
This fun, fast-paced game gets kids moving while reinforcing key pet-care concepts.
Review: Circle Time Reflection
Bring the students back to the circle and ask:
- What did we learn today about taking care of pets?
- What do pets need besides hugs and kisses?
- What was their favorite part of the game?
Celebrate their participation and highlight how they demonstrated responsibility and compassion.
Extend: Create a Pet Care Collage
For a creative extension, provide each child with:
- A blank sheet of paper
- Cut-outs or printed images of pets and their favorite foods
Ask them to create a Pet and Food Collage by gluing their favorite pet image alongside the foods that pet would eat.
When finished, invite students to present their collages to the class and explain their choices.
Final Thoughts
This caring for pets preschool lesson plan not only introduces young learners to the basics of animal care, but also helps them develop empathy, responsibility, and communication skills. By integrating storytelling, music, games, and creative projects, you’ll create an engaging and meaningful experience that your students will remember for years to come.
✨ Looking for even more preschool pet activities? Explore our collection of pet-themed crafts, games, and lesson ideas!
