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.
Understand pets' impact on mental health
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.
- Distribute the Quiz on Pets and Mental Health.
- Allow students to complete the quiz individually.
- Review answers as a class to reinforce learning.
- 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.
