Pawsitive Impact: Pets & Mental Health

Emma Donaldson

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Pawsitive Impact: Pets & Mental Health

Understand pets' impact on mental health

In this lesson, students will explore how owning pets, such as puppies, can positively influence mental health and well-being. Through case studies and personal reflection exercises, students will gain insights into the emotional and psychological benefits of pet ownership. This lesson is important as it helps students understand the therapeutic role pets can play in human lives, fostering empathy and awareness of mental health.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Understand pets' impact on mental health

Materials

Discussion Guide, Personal Reflection Worksheet, Quiz on Pets and Mental Health, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on what mental health means and why it's important.
Ask students if they have pets and how they feel about them.
Introduce the topic: How pets can impact mental health positively.

Step 2

Case Study Discussion

15 mins

Distribute the Discussion Guide.
Discuss a case study where a pet helped improve someone's mental health.
Encourage students to share thoughts and ask questions.

Step 3

Personal Reflection Exercise

15 mins

Hand out the Personal Reflection Worksheet.
Ask students to reflect on how a pet has impacted their own or someone else's life.
Allow students to write and then share their reflections with a partner.

Step 4

Quiz

10 mins

Distribute the Quiz on Pets and Mental Health.
Allow students to complete the quiz individually.
Review answers as a class to reinforce learning.

Step 5

Closure

10 mins

Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
Ask students to share one new thing they learned about pets and mental health.
Encourage students to think about how they can apply this knowledge in their lives.

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Discussion

Discussion Guide

Guide for discussing the impact of pets on mental health through case studies.

How can pets improve mental health?

Discuss various ways pets provide emotional support, companionship, and reduce stress.

What are some challenges of owning a pet?

Consider responsibilities, costs, and time commitment involved in pet ownership.

Worksheet

Personal Reflection Worksheet

Worksheet for students to reflect on personal experiences with pets and mental health.

Describe a time when a pet helped you or someone you know feel better.

What qualities do you think make pets good companions for mental health?

Quiz

Quiz on Pets and Mental Health