From our local school for kids with developmental disabilities:
By Carolyn Keller, RS Southgate School Intervention Specialist
Southgate School welcomes the return of Therapy Dogs International “Tail Wagging Tutors!” Each dog, accompanied by a volunteer, visits classrooms in the morning. Teachers need to sign up in advance to participate. The dogs will visit on the first and third Wednesdays of each month for the remainder of the school year.
The Alliance Community Hospital Volunteer Program “Paws and Reflect” is responsible for this fun and interactive program for Southgate students. The program was first tried in February of 2013 and was a great success.
Five different dogs and their volunteers are scheduled for this year. Storybooks are read to each student while the lucky dog listens from the comfy lap of their student or lounges on the floor nearby. Students can also read to the dogs!
Furry friends return to school The primary goal of this “dogs in school” activity is to foster and enhance reading and listening skills. Students also experience one-on-one time with a pet. Teachers have found that this experience has brought smiles to faces while encouraging positive connections between our students and their furry new friends.
Isn’t it amazing what dogs can do?
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!