Empowering Children with Responsibility and Fun

Children are naturally curious and most love animals. At the PODER Learning Center in Allen Woods Homes, we have introduced the curiosity, love, and responsibility of animals to the children's after-school program. Kevin Reyes, Vice President of the Allen Woods Resident Assembly and a resident of Allen Woods Homes, has donated two spotted catfish named Beebo and Meebo, a dragon goby named Wonton, an African dwarf frog named Mochi, and a few river fish along with plants to create a small ecosystem in our 10 gallon fish tank. He also provided signs written in a "kid friendly" manner that provide information about each fish and how to take care of our little friends!

  
During activity time, we gathered the children around the fish tank to introduce them to our new pets. Three of the older girls each read one of the signs and pointed out the animal in the tank. After reading each sign, questions would be asked to reemphasize what they learned.

Instructions were given to the children on how to read the thermometer to make sure the water in the tank is sufficient for the animals, what to do when they think a fish is sick, and why it is important not to tap on the glass. Our little friends are pretty happy knowing they have lots of big friends to take care of them!

We empowered each child by giving them a little knowlege and responsibility!