VINE Sanctuary is offering two free, virtual humane education programs for classrooms, homeschool groups, libraries, afterschool programs, and other educational settings. Both programs use stories, activities, and connections with rescued animals to help young people explore empathy, ecological relationships, and our connections with other living beings.

NATURE: Grades 6–8

NATURE—Nurturing Awareness Through Understanding, Respect, and Empathy is a new program running from September 2026 through May 2027. Educators receive a new ready-to-use lesson each month exploring animals, ecosystems, ecological interdependence, ethics, and the ways human choices affect other living beings.

Each unit includes a lesson plan, student booklet, teacher resource guide, activities, and photographs, videos, and stories from VINE Sanctuary. Materials connect with Common Core, science, and social studies standards and incorporate social-emotional learning, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning principles.

Register for NATURE:
https://forms.gle/WPNxv93A92ZzzWaY7

Barnyard Buddies: Pre-K–Grade 5

Barnyard Buddies is designed for children ages 4–10. Participating classrooms and groups are paired with a rescued animal living at VINE Sanctuary and receive monthly stories, photographs, videos, activities, and age-appropriate lessons.

Through getting to know their animal buddy, children learn about animals as individuals while practicing empathy, perspective-taking, and respect for differences.

Register for Barnyard Buddies:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScBuN6b6LXdW3dcyB2koTRKixcCXxC9HbFzZFyK9CqeCWx15g/viewform

Both programs are completely free and virtual, and participation is open beyond traditional classrooms to homeschool groups, libraries, afterschool programs, and other educational groups.

Learn more about VINE Sanctuary:
www.vinesanctuary.org