Teaching Kindness: A Man And His Dog Inspire First Graders In Broken Arrow

A man and his best friend travel across the U.S. to teach kids about kindness. On Wednesday, they were in Broken Arrow, speaking to 1,500 first graders.

As first graders piled into the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, there wasn't much that could keep them focused and in their chairs. Travis Brorsen was up for the challenge, but he had a little help from a friend—Chip, his chocolate lab.

Travis not only shows off Chip's tricks; he shares the lessons he learned from raising a dog as a way to teach the kids about kindness and compassion.

"It's a new way for them to take that information in and use it in their daily lives," Brorsen said.

He knows this because he remembers what it was like.

"For me, learning that while having a pet for the first time and making all those mistakes—those types of things are really what taught me those life skills, which changed my life," he said.

Jordan Hern, a first grader, joined Travis and Chip on stage.

"I really liked him; he was super cute. I am glad he does lots of really good tricks. I was really glad that I got to help with him up on stage."

Chip didn't always get it right, but that's the point: so kids learn it’s okay to make a mistake. Although the lesson is for the students, even teachers walk away learning something new.

"I really learn how everyone is different; everyone can be great in their own ways. He does a great job teaching not only the first graders but also the teachers to look at every individual student as having their own superpower and that they can all shine in their own ways," said teacher Erin Shelby.

It turns out that learning lessons is easier when a dog is involved.

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