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Week 06 · Plants and Pets

Thursday

A pet care chart
// Living things count on you every day
⏱ about 15 min

Thursday: A pet care chart

Lizzy sits beside a sleeping puppy named Biscuit, who belongs to the den. Riley the Raccoon tiptoes in with a scoop of food.

"Stop," Lizzy whispers. "Did a grown-up say yes? Is it feeding time? And look, he is asleep."

Riley freezes. "Oh. I just wanted to help." Lizzy smiles. "Helping a pet means a chart, a grown-up's okay, and gentle hands. Let us make the chart."

Pets count on a routine

A pet cannot fill its own bowl or clean its own space. It counts on the family every day.

Too much food, or food at the wrong time, can make a pet sick. So the chart comes first.

A pet care chart lists each job, who does it, and when. Your grown-up approves it.

Approve means to check it and say yes, this is okay.

JobWhenWhoGrown-up approved?
Fresh waterMorning and eveningMeYes
Food, the amount on the chartMorning and eveningMe, with a grown-up watchingYes
Brush or gentle pettingAfter schoolMeYes
Clean the spaceSaturdayMe and a grown-upYes

The pet helper rules

  • Never feed a pet without asking a grown-up first. Even a treat.
  • Measure the food. The chart says how much.
  • Gentle hands, slow moves, quiet voice.
  • Never bother an animal that is eating or sleeping.
  • Wash your hands after every pet job.
  • No pet at home? Make a chart for a pretend pet, or help a neighbor with a grown-up.
Safety first
Your grown-up approves the chart and every food amount.
A grown-up handles any cleaning product and any pet that is upset.
Wash hands after touching a pet, its food or its space.
PET HELPER CHOICES
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Riley wants to feed Biscuit. What must happen first?
Biscuit is asleep. What does a pet helper do?
You finished filling the water bowl. What is next?
How much food goes in the bowl?
How often does Biscuit get fresh water on the chart?
Who checks the chart and says yes?
Which day is the clean the space job?
PUT A FEEDING TIME IN ORDER.
  • ?Wash your hands
  • ?Ask a grown-up if it is time
  • ?Set the bowl down gently and step back
  • ?Let the pet eat without being bothered
  • ?Measure the amount on the chart
WHY THIS EXERCISEAsking first and stepping back keep both the pet and the helper safe.
StatementTrue or false?
A treat is fine without asking.?
Gentle hands and a quiet voice help a pet feel safe.?
You wash your hands after pet jobs.?
You can make a chart for a pretend pet.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEThe pet rules protect the animal and the helper at the same time.
What is the name of the den's puppy?
WHY THIS EXERCISEPets have names and feelings. Caring for one is a real responsibility.
Try it
Draft a pet care chart with four jobs, like Lizzy's.
Show it to your grown-up. Ask them to approve or change it.

Chart made and approved! Tomorrow Freddy reviews the week, and you write a plant report.

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