Kids Corner

The Kids Corner section of this fortnight’s newsletter features a persuasive text written by Parivan (Year 6) in the hope that I would approve the use of a therapy dog in our school. I trust you enjoy it just as much as I have! 

Dear Mr. Catalano,

My name is Parivan and I am a 12- year old student who deeply cares about the wellbeing of our school community. I am writing to propose a therapy dog program at our school. As someone who cares about our school, I’m confident that you will agree to implementing a therapy dog program. This choice will significantly impact our community.

Firstly, implementing a therapy dog program at our school will unquestionably improve students’ learning outcomes. When students interact with therapy dogs, they certainly help students concentrate and focus during class. Therapy dogs foster a calm environment in the classroom, ultimately improving students’ cognitive development. Moreover, a study by the University of California discovered that students who participate in a therapy dog program experienced an increase in reading fluency from 12% to 30%. How shocking is that! There is not a single doubt that therapy dogs have much to offer to students’ education. Unless we implement a therapy dog program, how else can we improve students’ learning outcome?

Secondly, therapy dogs, which are trained by people, certainly help students feel less stressed and worried. The simple act of petting a dog will undoubtedly soothe anxious thoughts and promote relaxation. When a therapy dog is in the classroom, you can help create a calm and peaceful environment. Studies have shown that spending time with therapy dogs will unquestionably lower cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress. Also, it increases the production of serotonin, the feel good chemicals in our brain. From my personal experience, I have observed that students feel an increased rate of happiness in the classroom. Unless we have a therapy dog program, how else can we ease stress and anxiety?

Finally, therapy dogs are crucial to improving students’ overall well-being and mental health. When students deal with tough problems, therapy dogs will certainly provide support and comfort. They can also help stop mental health problems by relieving loneliness and negative emotions. Research shows that therapy dogs lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol levels, reduce stress hormones and increase the feel good chemical. Also, they increase our overall well-being. By incorporating a therapy dog program, it will definitely lead our community into a healthier future.

Thank you, Mr. Catalano, for taking the time and effort to read and consider my letter. Given your exceptional commitment to ensuring our school is a safe environment, I am confident that you will see the immense value of implementing a therapy program at our school. We must include a therapy dog program to meet the needs of the students at our school. I trust that you will recognise the benefits of including a therapy dog program and look forward to making our school more, peaceful and safer.

Best Regards,

Parivan 

Ps. I have said Yes! However, I have asked Parivan and his friends to research what the next steps will entail. Hopefully they return with more information soon.