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April 24 – National Guide Dog Day

April 24 is National Guide Dog Day, a special day dedicated to celebrating the incredible work that guide dogs do every day to assist people who are visually impaired. These dogs are not just pets; they are trained professionals who provide essential help and companionship. You can check out all of the Fact of the Day for Kids here.

FIVE GUIDE DOG FACTS FOR KIDS

  • Guide dogs are trained to navigate obstacles and lead their handlers safely through daily activities.
  • These dogs can recognize and obey commands like “stop,” “turn,” and “forward.”
  • The most commonly used breeds for guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
  • It takes about two years to fully train a guide dog, starting from puppyhood.
  • Guide dogs are taught to disobey a command if it would put their handler in danger, a skill known as “intelligent disobedience.”

ACTIVITY IDEAS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GUIDE DOG DAY

National Guide Dog Day can be an excellent opportunity for learning and engagement in the classroom. Here are five activities to help students celebrate and appreciate the role of guide dogs:

  • Try the Guide Dog Maze for Kids. You can download it here.
  • Invite a guide dog handler to speak in your classroom.
  • Create thank you cards for guide dog trainers or handlers in your community.
  • Watch a documentary or read a book about guide dogs and discuss it.
  • Organize a fundraiser or awareness campaign about guide dogs in your school.
  • Have a guide dog awareness quiz based on the facts learned.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT FOR APRIL 24

National Guide Dog Day raises important questions about accessibility and assistance animals. Consider these to deepen your understanding:

  • How do guide dogs help their handlers on a daily basis?
  • What are the qualities that make a good guide dog?
  • How can communities be more accommodating to guide dogs and their handlers?
  • Why is it important to respect the working relationship between a guide dog and its handler?
  • What can we do to support organizations that train guide dogs?

WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT GUIDE DOGS

Here are five questions to spark conversation. Would you rather…

  • Be a guide dog trainer or a guide dog handler for a day?
  • Have the ability to communicate with guide dogs or all animals?
  • Volunteer at a guide dog training center or adopt a retired guide dog?
  • Watch a movie about the life of a guide dog or read a book from the perspective of a guide dog?
  • Raise awareness about guide dogs through a school project or a social media campaign?

MORE FUN STUFF

Here are more fun ideas to help keep the kids entertained:

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