Teacher sitting on rug with several students. Each person is holding a copy of the book Buddy Unchained, a book about a dog, and smiling.

RedRover Readers: Volunteer Resources

Resources & Curriculum to implement the RedRover Readers program

 

As a RedRover Readers volunteer, you will need a variety of documents and resources when leading visits in your community.

If you have questions about the materials provided here or need assistance, please contact RedRover at (916) 429-2457 or Readers@RedRover.org.

 
Updated Teaching Guides aligned with CASEL Core Competencies are available on our Teacher Resources page.

Click to download applicable PDF

Use this letter of introduction to add your information and information about the locations you want to reach out to.


Include a brochure (or a printed flier) along with the Letter of Introduction to provide context.

Book loans are available for active RedRover Readers volunteers who are having difficulty locating the program's books on their own.

Use these as outlines when making two or more successive visits to the same group of children to help reinforce key concepts and maximize children’s retention.

The RedRover Readers program promotes empathy by presenting powerful stories, encouraging children to put themselves in the place of animals, and asking questions that promote critical thinking. A 2009 pilot study of the RedRover Readers program (then called the Humane Education Ambassador Readers) conducted by Inverness Research, Inc. suggests that the program:

  • Builds self-esteem and motivates students to take an important subject seriously.
  • Stimulates additional student-directed learning.
  • Builds students’ knowledge and potentially affects their behaviors related to caring for pets.
  • Builds students’ empathy and compassion for pets.

RedRover recommends the Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) online courses provided by Academy of Prosocial Learning (APL).

RedRover Readers volunteers get 10% off the Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES). Enter “RedRover10” when registering.

RedRover Readers volunteers get 10% off the Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) courses through the Academy of Prosocial Learning (APL). Enter “RedRover10” when registering.

RedRover is currently partnering with the Stockton Unified School District to bring the RedRover Readers program to children in those elementary schools.

RedRover is currently partnering with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to teach pre-service teachers how to use the RedRover Readers curriculum.