VCAL News
Dog Support Program
Sadie and Otto
Sadie and Otto
The VCAL class has continued to co-ordinate the Dog Support Program in the junior school classrooms. The two King Charles Cavaliers, 'Sadie and Otto', are available in classrooms to support the students with reading or when a child needs emotional support. VCAL students have been involved in training the dogs and are able to assist in the classroom.
The Dog Support Program evolved from students who were interested in the way support dogs can improve a student’s social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Research into the effects of therapy dogs in schools is showing a range of benefits, including gains in confidence; increase in school attendance; decreases in learner anxiety behaviours resulting in improved learning outcomes; positive changes towards learning and improved motivation; and enhanced relationships with peers and teachers due to experiencing trust and unconditional love from a therapy dog.
This in turn helps students learn how to express their feelings and enter into more trusting relationships. This is such a valuable program proudly instigated by the VCAL students!
Mrs Jenny Lilley
VCAL Co-ordinator