Resurrection School is happy to announce that we officially have ZACK the Therapy dog at our school. Zack has had to go through a thorough training program in and out of school which he has passed with flying colours. Myself and Mrs Zhang have gone through the program with Zack and will work with students in school where needed as well as having a friendly pet for our school.

The Impact of Dogs in Schools

Introducing a dog into the school environment can significantly improve students’ social and emotional skills, behaviour, and overall well-being. Not only do dogs have positive effects on students, but they also create a more connected and supportive atmosphere for staff members within educational institutions. In this section, we will explore how dogs enhance social experiences for students, improve student attendance rates, and boost staff morale.

Enhancing Social Experiences for Students

Dogs are known to be excellent companions that provide unconditional love and support. By bringing them into schools, children can experience increased levels of comfort while interacting with their peers. The presence of these furry friends encourages teamwork among classmates as well as promotes empathy towards others who may need extra help or attention.

Social Skills Development: Interacting with dogs helps children develop essential social skills such as sharing responsibilities (e.g., taking turns walking the dog) or resolving conflicts peacefully when disagreements arise.
Inclusive Environment: A friendly canine companion creates an inclusive learning environment where all students feel welcomed regardless of their background or abilities.
Promoting Empathy: Caring for a dog teaches compassion towards other living beings which translates to better understanding between classmates from diverse backgrounds.

Improving Student Attendance Rates

A positive school atmosphere created by the presence of well-being dogs contributes to improved student attendance rates. Research has shown that incorporating animals into educational settings leads to higher engagement levels among learners due to reduced stress levels. The calming effect of the therapy dogs, coupled with increased engagement levels among learners due to reduced stress, encourages students to attend school more regularly and participate actively in class activities.

Reduced Anxiety: Dogs have a calming effect on students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress related to academic performance or social interactions.
Motivation Boost: The presence of dogs can motivate children to come to school as they look forward to spending time with their furry friends during breaks or designated therapy sessions.

Boosting Staff Morale and Wellbeing

The benefits of having dogs in schools extend beyond the student population. Teachers and staff members also experience increased morale due to the positive impact these animals have on the overall environment. A supportive atmosphere created by canine companions helps reduce burnout rates among educators while promoting collaboration within teams.

Stress Relief: Interacting with dogs provides a much-needed break for teachers who often face high levels of stress due to demanding workloads and tight deadlines.
Better Team Dynamics: Sharing responsibilities associated with caring for a dog fosters teamwork among staff members, leading them towards stronger professional relationships that translate into improved classroom experiences for learners.

Article from Dogs Connect

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