Teasel didn't just feed and clean the kittens, she also protected them. She would pick up any stray kittens and put them back in their bed. It's not that strange for a dog to take care of kittens, as there have been cases of cats and dogs looking after each other's babies.

A biologist named Dr. Rachel Grant explained that when animals from different species take care of each other's young, it's because of "fixed action patterns." These patterns make the adopting animal respond to certain signals from the adoptee, which triggers them to care for the babies. Dr. Grant also said that the more similar two species are, the more likely they are to take care of each other's young.

Even though it's heartwarming to see animals from different species taking care of each other, it makes us think about evolution. Dr. Grant said that these behaviors are driven by instinct and specific signals, which aren't under conscious control. But as long as these behaviors work most of the time, they're likely to be chosen by evolution.

After the kittens are done nursing, they might not be as close to Teasel. But all the kittens have new families waiting to take them home, and Teasel's strong motherly instincts will help her if she has puppies in the future.

Original news source: Why did a dog in Newmarket end up nursing a litter of kittens? (BBC)

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Students must create their own catchy headlines for the story they just read. Encourage creativity and lesson-related vocabulary usage. After crafting their headlines, they can share with the class and explain why they chose those words.
– Sketch It
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students are given a segment of the article to illustrate in a quick sketch. For example, one group could draw Teasel caring for the kittens, while another could illustrate the concept of "fixed action patterns". Afterward, they explain their drawings to the class, using vocabulary from the article.
– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Place a line in the classroom from 'Strongly Agree' to 'Strongly Disagree'. Read out statements related to the article (e.g., "Animals have emotions similar to humans" or "Instincts are more powerful than learned behaviors") and have students position themselves along the spectrum according to their opinion. They must then discuss their position with the nearest classmate.
– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Pair students up and challenge them to summarize the article to their partner in under one minute. They should focus on including the main points and any new vocabulary they learned. Afterward, they switch roles.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students discuss or write about what they think will happen to the kittens and Teasel in the future. Encourage them to use modal verbs of probability (e.g., might, could, will) as they make predictions based on the information from the article. They can share their thoughts with a partner or with the whole class.

In Newmarket, there's a sweet story about a dog named ? who took care of a group of abandoned ?. Teasel's owner, Sue Stubley, ? to look after the kittens for one night before ? them to a cat rescue. But Teasel started caring for the kittens, even making milk for them. Teasel didn't just feed and clean the kittens, she also protected them. She would pick up any stray kittens and put them back in their bed. It's not that strange for a dog to take care of kittens, as there have been cases of cats and dogs looking after each other's ?. A biologist named Dr. Rachel ? explained that when ? from different species take care of each other's young, it's because of "fixed action ?." These patterns make the adopting animal respond to ? signals from the adoptee, which triggers them to care for the babies. Dr. Grant also said that the more ? two species are, the more likely they are to take care of each other's young. Even though it's heartwarming to see animals from different species taking care of each other, it ? us think about ?. Dr. Grant said that these behaviors are driven by instinct and specific signals, which aren't under conscious control. But as long as these behaviors work most of the time, they're likely to be chosen by evolution. After the kittens are done nursing, they might not be as ? to Teasel. But all the kittens have new ? waiting to take them home, and Teasel's strong motherly ? will help her if she has puppies in the ?.

1. What is the kindest thing you have ever seen an animal do?
2. How would you feel if you saw a dog taking care of kittens in real life?
3. Do you like stories about animals helping each other? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever seen animals from different species being friends? Tell us about it.
5. What do you think creates a bond between animals of different species?
6. Do you think animals have feelings like humans do? Why or why not?
7. If you had a pet, would you want it to be friendly with other types of animals? Why?
8. Have you ever taken care of an animal that wasn't yours? What was that like?
9. What is a 'fixed action pattern' in your own words?
10. Why do you think some animals adopt babies from other species?
11. Do you think we can learn something about kindness from animals?
12. If you could have any animal as a pet, which one would you choose and why?
13. How important do you think it is for pets to have a mother figure?
14. Do you think it's a good idea to adopt pets from shelters? Why or why not?
15. What qualities do you think make a good parent, whether it's an animal or a human?

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