Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood by Patty Born Selly

Abstract

 2014 Children, Youth and Environments Children, Youth and Environments 24(3), 2014 Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood Patty Born Selly (2014). St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press, 171 pages. $24.95; ISBN 978-1-60554-156-3. This engaging and accessible book translates research and theory about the developmental significance of animals for children into hands-on activities for parents of young children and for early childhood educators. Selly has worn many hats in her professional life—naturalist, wildlife rehabilitator, science and nature educator, and teacher trainer, among others. All these roles inform her writing about young children and the animal world. In opening chapters, she succinctly summarizes the importance of animals to children, showing how pervasive are animals and their representations. She skillfully synthesizes the existing literature on the developmental benefits of exposure to animals and the natural world, including sensory stimulation, cognitive challenge, feelings of security, empathy, attachment, interpersonal skills, and nurturing. Throughout, concrete examples and color photographs, drawn from observed interactions among children, illustrate these more abstract concepts. Selly also addresses the cultural complexity of human-animal connections, since humans categorize animals in both positive and negative ways, and use animals for purposes of food, clothing, work, and amusement. She rightly emphasizes the important role of adults in labelling and categorizing the animal world and in so doing, imparting to children ways of thinking about animals and valuing or disvaluing them. Another timely topic is the depiction of animals in the media. As children are more and more in front of screens and facing a proliferation of smartphone apps, parents and teachers need guidelines on how to help children process the often distorted depictions of animals. Selly addresses this issue with practical advice and concrete examples. Not all experiences with animals are equally beneficial to children’s development. Selly rightly distinguishes between what she calls “authentic” and “non-authentic” experiences. “Authentic” experiences are realistic, complex and respectful of the animal. Consider the difference between a child learning about elephants from realistic documentaries or visits to a top-quality zoo and by contrast, playing with a toy elephant or watching a cartoon about Dumbo the elephant. As an experienced early childhood educator, Selly fills her book with wonderful examples of authentic animal activities that build in skills like scientific inquiry, expression of feelings, counting, and literacy. A chart contrasting authentic and non-authentic educational experiences is especially helpful. Book Review: Connecting Animals and Children in Early Childhood 248 This book will be very useful for teachers of young children. In detail, Selly talks about organizing an “authentic” field trip to a zoo (or other place where animals could be observed) and then enriching that experience later with classroom activities. Similarly, she devotes a chapter on the important issue of classroom pets, and includes a helpful checklist so that teachers make this experience one in which animal welfare and children’s learning are both maximized. In summary, if early childhood educators or parents of young children are looking for a single book that will guide them in helping their children explore the world of animals, this is the book. Review by Gail F. Melson Gail Melson received her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in developmental psychology. Currently, she is Professor Emerita of Human Development and Family Studies and Fellow of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University, where she conducts research and consults on child development. Dr. Melson blogs for Psychology Today on children, animals and nature. ...