Abstract
Literature suggests that humane education programs operating in schools have had a positive
impact on children’s’ cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development through the
facilitation of knowledge aimed towards fostering empathy, critical thinking skills, and cultural
competency. Research suggests how fostering attachments with animals results in children’s
ability to develop empathy and compassion. This study provides a qualitative analysis of the
impact humane education instructional techniques had on child behavior through interpretive
frameworks aimed towards decoding field observations. Observations were recorded during
experiences teaching humane education with H.E.A.R.T non-profit in Chicago, IL. Portrayal of
pro-social behavior and empathy development in response to animal welfare related topics and
activities assert the benefits of prompting human-animal relationships during early childhood.
Findings show that humane education and the utilization of animal centered learning
opportunities has been linked to pro-social behavior development and higher levels of social
competence contributing to one’s civic responsibility. Structural limitations of the United States
education system are considered to examine the ways in which beneficial enrichment programs
such as H.E.A.R.T. are not equally accessible to all students enrolled in public schools. Further
investigation of factors contributing to the disproportionate lack of resources, networks, and
funding made accessible to public educational institutions is needed to critically analyze the
social reproduction of class-based inequalities.
Introduction
Humane education is a branch of educational pedagogy focusing on teaching students
humane topics including animal welfare, environmental stewardship and social justice in order to
foster the empathy and compassion needed for children to develop positive social and emotional