Grade 2 Environmental Activities Animals – Safety When Handling Animals Notes

Age group: 7 years (Kenya)

These notes teach safe ways to be near and care for animals you meet at home, school or on a farm in Kenya — for example: cows 🐄, goats 🐐, chickens 🐔, dogs 🐕, and wild animals you may see on visits (with an adult), like monkeys or snakes. Follow the rules to keep yourself and the animals safe.

Specific Learning Outcomes

• Identify three safe actions to take when near an animal (ask first, move slowly, wash hands).
• Show how to ask an adult for permission before touching an animal.
• Demonstrate gentle touching — no pulling tails, ears or fur.
• Explain what to do if an animal bites or scratches (tell an adult and clean the wound).
• List simple protective clothes or items to wear around animals (boots, gloves).

Important Rules — Easy to Remember ✅

• Ask first: Always ask the owner or teacher before touching or feeding an animal. 🙋‍♀️
• Move slowly and quietly: Quick moves can scare animals. Walk slowly. 🐢
• Gentle touch only: Stroke lightly on the back. Do not pull tails, ears or fur. ✋🐶
• Keep faces away: Do not put your face close to an animal’s mouth or nose. 🚫👃
• Watch feet and hands: Wear closed shoes or gumboots when on farms. 🥾
• Do not touch strange animals: Avoid stray dogs or wild animals. Tell an adult. 🐕‍🦺🚫
• Never chase wild animals: If you see a wild animal, move back slowly and tell an adult or a park ranger. 🐒🐍
• Wash hands after touching animals: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 🧼💧

What To Wear and Tools to Use

On a farm or in a garden, wear:

• Closed shoes or gumboots (growing fields can be muddy). 🥾
• Long sleeves if you will touch animals or feed them. 👕
• Gloves for picking up dirty things or cleaning pens. 🧤
• A hat and water to stay cool in hot weather. 🧢💧

If an Animal Bites or Scratches — Step by Step

1. Stay calm and move away safely. 🛑
2. Wash the wound with clean water and soap for a few minutes. 🧼
3. Tell an adult right away (teacher, parent). 👩‍🏫👨‍👩‍👧
4. Go to the nearest clinic or hospital if the wound is deep or bleeding. A nurse or doctor will check you. 🏥
5. If the animal is a stray or unknown, tell an adult so they can report it to the local animal control or vet. 📞

Suggested Learning Experiences (Hands-on and Fun)

• Role-play: In groups, one child plays the animal, one the owner, another the child who asks for permission. Practice asking and gentle touches. 🎭
• Visit a farm or school garden: With teachers and parents, see cows, goats or chickens. Watch how the farmer takes care of them. (Follow farm rules.) 🚜🐔
• Handwashing demo: Sing a 20-second song while washing hands after touching a toy animal. 🧼🎵
• Make a safety poster: Draw an animal and write three safety rules. Display in the classroom. 🖍️🖼️
• Sorting game: Use picture cards of actions (gentle stroke / pulling tail / feeding with adult). Sort into "Safe" and "Not safe". 🃏
• Ask-An-Adult: Invite a local vet or farmer to talk about caring for animals and what to wear. 🐄👩‍⚕️

Quick Poster (copy-print for class)