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Ideas for Learning Activities

Reading activities

  • Have children read stories to the dog, either one at a time or in small groups

  • For younger children, the teacher can read in a circle while the dog sits or lies down amongst the children. Teachers can ask questions about the story while reading.

 

Writing/Interviewing

  • Before the team arrives have children prepare a list of questions to ask the therapy team. Spend one class period doing interviews

  • Students then write up their interviews as a report

  • The next time the team visits, students read their stories to the class and the team

 

Writing - Write a fictional story about the dog after a visit. Even more, work as a group of students to write and illustrate a fictional story about the dog

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Art – Draw pictures of the dog, or the team, at a visit or doing something that dogs do. While the students are drawing, they can ask questions and talk to the handler, who will walk around the room with the dog.

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Research – after a visit from the team, have students research and write something about the dog – breed, what it means to be a therapy dog, etc. – and prepare a small report. This could be turned into a two-visit activity that involves presenting the reports.

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Discussing Manners, Etiquette, etc. – A visit from a dog team opens up discussion possibilities, like: taking responsibility for another life; treating animals (and people) the way you want to be treated; how are people and animals different in terms of manners, etc.; what about your own pets.

Therapy dog wearing ID vest

Module 1 delves into the growing trend of using therapy dogs to encourage and engage students. Watch the video to learn more about the benefits  of bringing therapy dogs to school. Review the glossary terms and check out the references for additional information.

Studets reading with dog in classroom

Bringing a therapy team into a school or classroom is not so simple. Module 2 explains what teachers and administrators must know and consider for a program that is safe and appropriate for all.

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Once you've committed to therapy team visits, now what? Module 3 provides information on developing meaningful lesson plans and student activities.

Student reading with dog

Are you ready? Take this self-proctored evaluation to see if you have learned what you need to know.

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