The Stable Classroom: Inspiring Empathy and Understanding Through Interdisciplinary Learning
The Stable Classroom (TM) is an innovative initiative developed by Susan Kayne that interweaves the real rescue stories of horses, donkeys, and Arnie The Mule at Unbridled Sanctuary with art, academics, and literacy. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, the program inspires critical thinking and moral imagination, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of our equine companions.
At its core, the Stable Classroom encourages participants to consider the horse first, exploring how these magnificent creatures experience their own lives. By understanding the world from the horse's perspective, participants gain insight into how their choices and actions impact their equine friends. This philosophical approach promotes prosocial behavior and encourages individuals to make compassionate decisions in their interactions with horses.
Facets of the Stable Classroom include Canvas of Compassion,Read to the Rescues, and the newly added: "The Art of Humane Education: What Does Kindness Look Like?" This immersive learning experience combines humane education with artistic expression, allowing participants to connect with rescued horses on a profound level. Through various mixed media techniques, including painting, life drawing, photography, and co-creation, participants explore the concept of kindness and empathy from both human and equine perspectives.
The Stable Classroom's interdisciplinary approach ensures that participants not only develop a strong emotional connection with the horses but also engage in academic learning and literacy development. By integrating the rescue stories of Unbridled's equines into the curriculum, the program encourages participants to think critically about the issues facing these animals and inspires them to become advocates for equine engagement, protection, and welfare.
Join us at Unbridled Sanctuary to experience the transformative power of the Stable Classroom. Through this unique interdisciplinary approach, we aim to create a generation of compassionate, empathetic, and knowledgeable individuals who understand and appreciate the complex relationship between humans and horses. Together, we can foster a culture of kindness and respect for all living beings.
The Art of Humane Education: What Does Kindness Look Like?
At Unbridled Sanctuary, we offer a unique program called "The Art of Humane Education: What Does Kindness Look Like?" This immersive learning experience created by our founder Susan Kayne, combines humane education with artistic expression, providing participants of all ages with the opportunity to connect with rescued horses, develop empathy, and create meaningful art through a variety of mixed media techniques, including painting, life drawing with an easel, photography, and co-creation on a canvas of compassion.
Engaging with Empathy
Each session begins with storytelling, where participants learn about the journeys of our rescued horses. These stories highlight themes of resilience, recovery, and the transformative power of kindness. Interactive lessons delve deeper into humane education principles, exploring the anthology of our relationship with equines. This enables us to better know, understand, and observe in detail the inter-species relationship, where each partner has a very different connection to the world, the environment, ways of communicating, and expectations.
Expressing Through Art
Art serves as a reflective tool to reinforce the lessons learned. Participants create artworks that represent their understanding of kindness and empathy from both human and equine perspectives. They engage in various mixed media techniques, such as painting, life drawing with an easel, photography, and co-creation on a canvas of compassion. Collaborative projects involve both participants and horses, fostering a sense of partnership and mutual respect. Renowned artists conduct workshops at the sanctuary, providing professional guidance and inspiration.
Outcomes and Impact
Through these immersive experiences, participants develop emotional intelligence, enhance their artistic skills across multiple mediums, and build strong social connections. The program raises awareness about humane treatment of animals and promotes advocacy for animal welfare. Art created during the program is displayed in local exhibitions, contributing to cultural enrichment and fostering a kinder, more compassionate community.
Join us at Unbridled Sanctuary to experience the transformative power of humane education and artistic expression through "The Art of Humane Education: What Does Kindness Look Like?" Explore the bond between humans and horses through a diverse range of mixed media techniques, from painting and life drawing to photography and co-creation on a canvas of compassion. Together, we can inspire a new generation of empathetic, creative, and compassionate individuals who understand and appreciate the unique connection we share with these magnificent creatures.