Greyhounds in Need

Supporting the teaching of English in Spanish schools

www.greyhoundsinneed.co.uk

Background

Greyhounds in Need (GiN) is the leading greyhound rescue charity working in Spain, and since 1991 have rescued and found homes for several thousand dogs. Unfortunately Galgos (Spanish-bred hunting greyhounds) are not considered family pets in Spain and are often abandoned after a useful, working life.

Aim

GiN wants to educate Spanish children about the plight of the Galgos and change the perception of the dogs to encourage rehoming of the animals in Spain, rather than abroad.

What did we do?

We developed a resource to support Spanish primary school and teachers of English as a foreign language, to children aged 9 to 12 years old. The activities support the teaching and learning of English vocabulary and phrases relating to the expression of feelings and emotions, using images, data and a story based on how GiN help many Galgos. By inviting Spanish children to develop their understanding and use of expressive English through a greater understanding of the Galgo, the aim is to develop empathy for dogs and help make a difference to the many that are in need of loving homes.

Copies of the resource are being distributed by GiN partners in Spain, in Extremadura, summer camps and language schools in Miajadas, Caceres and Badajoz.
We are currently working on the development of a CD-ROM version of the resource and reprinting the existing resource pack due to the success of the activity to date.