Sharing Good Practice
to increase physical activity in obese children – for example , through slow walking . And studies show that in the act of reading to dogs , stress , blood pressure and anxiety are reduced .
Learners of all ages can benefit from the presence of dogs
It is not only dogs that can support children ’ s well-being . In the classic story A Kestrel for a Knave , Billy Casper is a working-class boy struggling at school . One day he steals a fledgling kestrel from its nest in the countryside . The bird inspires Billy to learn and read as much as he can about how to care for his kestrel , which symbolises liberation from his dreary life . Here in the Middle East , generations of Bedouin have taught their children values of patience , courage , willpower and companionship in respecting falcons . And in Islam , there are stories such as ‘ The Prophet and the Ants ’ and ‘ The Crying Camel ’, which teach children that animals need to be cared for no matter how big or small they may be .
Things to consider
If you are thinking of bringing animals into school , the most important thing is to research and plan carefully . There are organisations which can help schools interested in animal-assisted interventions . For example , the Animal Agency in the UAE offers a reading-todogs programme and practical advice on how this can be implemented successfully . See : https :// www . readingdogsuae . com /
Animal welfare must be a key priority . All animals have specific physical , social and emotional needs , which must be understood and met . The wellbeing of the animal should be regularly monitored . We must not assume that animals will enjoy coming into school . Even the friendliest family dog may be overwhelmed by the sights , sounds and smells of a busy school environment . We recommend teaching adults and children to understand the way different animals communicate , their individual needs , and to ensure any animal has regular breaks where they can have peace and the chance to rest undisturbed . Adults and children alike need to be taught how to read cues , such as whether a dog is relaxed or stressed . Many dogs do not enjoy direct eye contact or being hugged tightly . But they may communicate this in very subtle ways such as stiffened posture , or a raised paw .
Dogs are unlikely to appeal to all children . In our forthcoming book , Tails from the Classroom ( Crown House , 2020 ), we describe how some schools and colleges have used rabbits , mice , bearded dragons , gerbils , horses , fish , turtles , cockatoos and even maggots to inspire children ’ s learning and allround development . Such animals offer so much to children through and beyond these COVID-19 days .
Are you working in an educational context ? We would love to hear your views on the involvement of animals in schools , whether you agree or disagree with the practice . Please consider completing our questionnaire : https :// swanseachhs . eu . qualtrics . com / jfe / form / SV _ e2qVz4I9aDss8sd
Reference
E . Ratschen et al . ( 2020 ). Human – Animal Relationships and Interactions During the Covid-19 Lockdown Phase in the UK : Investigating Links with Mental Health and Loneliness . PLOS ONE , 15 ( 9 ) ( 2020 ). DOI : 10.1371 / journal . pone . 0239397
Dr Russell Grigg is an Education Inspector for the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates , where he works in the School Development and Improvement Unit . He has published extensively on primary education and his research interests include the history of education and emotions history .
He tweets @ russellgrigg
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