Need some ideas on using milk goat to teach about bullying

francismilker · #1 03/20/13, 02:09 AM

I've recently been given the opportunity to take one of my milk goats to a local elementary school and give an object lesson on bullying to the kindergarten kids.

While this may seem like an easy task, I'd love some suggestions to go towards my presentation. I'm used to talking to kids as my wife and I are Children's Ministers at our church.

I've thought of taking the milk stand and using one of my girls who is "less than perfect" and possibly the one that has the bald spot between her ears from being copper deficient. I could point out some of her shortcomings and then end with saying something to the effect of "she's still serving her purpose in life by giving me milk." "WE ALL HAVE A PURPOSE."

Thanks in advance!

where I want to · #2 03/20/13, 10:58 AM

Unfortunately I can only come up with the idea of bullying being a successful strategy for goat herds. The queen works at intimidating the rest of her court and the result is the she gets first chance at food, water and shelter.
Maybe a point could be made that she will meet a better bully sooner or later and lose her place rather violently.
I wonder if the better lesson might be that measured response to bullying works well. That it is possible to have the best of life with being willing to hold one's ground for what is important while not agonizing over the small stuff. To be firm enough to make the bully cautious about picking on you without either taking it too seriously or being afraid all the time.

francismilker · #3 03/20/13, 05:46 PM

Not too bad of an idea! I'll ponder on it a little. Thanks.

francismilker · #4 03/21/13, 08:58 PM

Seriously, only one idea????????????? I'd bet if this post was about a baby pic or dehorning there would at the very least be a ten page debate going on by now!!!!

where I want to · #5 03/22/13, 12:57 AM

Maybe that the goat herder will still see that the doe at the bottom of the pecking order still gets what she needs to prosper. That is his job no matter what the herd queen's intentions are- his goal is to provide for the least too.

Frosted Mini's · #6 03/22/13, 01:41 AM

Lol, if it were my goats, they'd be bullying the kids. I honestly don't know how people get goats that are good with small children, maybe mine are just weird, or my 2-year-old tortures them too much. Maybe it's her age and things will get better later...

Donna1982 · #7 03/22/13, 04:25 AM

That is awesome you get the chance to talk to little kids. We plan on doing thr same thing with our little Dopey since he's a special needs goat.

Ideas we came up with is something along the lines since they are milk goats not cows we get a lot of "gross that's not right". Our goats look different then others since they are LaMancha goats, so there's that. We are using Dopey being slow as an example of he may have issues but he has figured out how to do things his way. I will try to think more but I just woke up (4am) and my mind is sleeping still lol.

aart · #8 03/22/13, 06:12 AM

Maybe instead of trying to spin the 'bullying' that all animals practice as a part of herd dynamics...maybe you could point out that although animals need to do a bit of bullying for survival and health of the herd, people possess the cognitive skills that allow them to work out differences and empathize with those who are different, or angry or handicapped or whatever difference that might spark bullying. So like, don't be a goat!

francismilker · #9 03/22/13, 06:28 AM

These are some great ideas! Please keep them coming. I get to do two different sessions for 30 minutes each to two different group of kiddos. I'm pumped about it. I just need to have the right impactful thing to say. Kids this age are very moldable and impressionable.

Copperhead · #10 03/22/13, 08:04 AM

I got a pygmy wether that can teach the value of standing up to Billy/Bully

If there is food available, he will consistently and persistantly challenge the 150lb Kiko Billy that is twice his size. The Billy will thump the wether quite hard, every time!

Eventually, the Billy gets tired of fighting and they both actually share the food!

Persistance has its reward, even if you do get beat down until the big guy is too tired to fight

Cyngbaeld · #11 03/22/13, 10:00 AM

Goats don't have the ability to grow their own food or build their own shelter. So in that sense, they are non-producers. Therefore they MUST compete with the herd for food and the best spots in the shelter. They really have no choice. People can produce their own food or work for the money to buy their food and provide shelter from themselves. Goats have to take what someone else produces and will give them unless they are homeless and forage for themselves which makes them vulnerable to predators. In order for a goat to be fed, she must be kept in a pen or barn and is not free. People can be free to produce and care for themselves, but if they take from other people, particularly those weaker than themselves they are like the goats.

francismilker · #12 03/22/13, 07:05 PM

Great ideas! Keep them coming.

Goat Servant · #13 03/22/13, 07:51 PM

Goats do bully each other but they are animals. As humans we have a choice.
In another vein I have some nice goats. They are not all show quality. And those seem to have the better personalities. Some of them could be considered rather ugly compared to show stock. But they are my favorites.

chamoisee · #14 03/26/13, 11:00 AM

Goats and their brutality within a herd were how I came to terms with understandign human bullying. Essentially, people are selfish cads, just like some goats, and the only way to make the horror stop is to remove them to another place. It's all about dominance, and one can assert their place in the social status without violence, as much of it is about body language and posture. If adults (wehther goatkeeper or teachers) allow senseless brutality, then senselessly brutal things will occur.

Long story short, raising goats taught me about the importance of establishing boundaries.

LFRJ · #15 03/26/13, 01:31 PM

Maybe a more practical demonstration - that if you want her to cooperate on the milk stand to be milked, you have to work with her gently and smoothly, not fight with and scare her. Too hard otherwise to get kids to understand herd behavior (without the whole herd).

francismilker · #16 04/02/13, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFRJ

Maybe a more practical demonstration - that if you want her to cooperate on the milk stand to be milked, you have to work with her gently and smoothly, not fight with and scare her. Too hard otherwise to get kids to understand herd behavior (without the whole herd).

Great idea LFRJ! I'm headed out to the school in a few minutes. Just thought I'd give this thread a quick look to refresh my memory of all these great suggestions. I pray I will be able to make a positive impact on these kiddos today!!!!!

Thanks all.

aart · #17 04/03/13, 07:09 AM

Am curious as to what tack you'll take with this and how it will be received. Not sure kindergarteners would understand the herd dynamic concept.