Therapeutic Classroom Companions 

   The visiting teams of volunteers are certified in multiple areas, including Social Therapy, and are working towards other levels of advanced certification. Studies have been conducted by various researchers  and universities that show the positive effects of human-animal interaction. However as observations of our classrooms have already shown, the positive effects are occuring in special education and regular education classes as the Therapeutic Classroom Companions visit every week.

   Some of the things seen so far include three children’s stimulation moved them to speak; one little boy called "Poohgee’s" name, another said "bye doggie", as Zack left the room, and a third child said "dog" as his hand was lead to pet the soft fur of Luci, a Golden Retriever Mix. These were exciting moments  for the teachers in the room as well as for the members of Dreamworkers.

   Another child was laid across Luci’s belly as the dog lay on it’s side, that child had an immediate reaction, a smile that spread from ear to ear and eyes that widened and sparkled.  As yet another of the children sat in a bean bag chair, one of the Dreamworkers Companions was carefully set up to put it’s paws across the child’s lap. The child’s hand was then led gently towards the soft fur, the response once again, was smiles, dancing eyes and giggles.

  Even the most loving caregiver or the newest educational techniques cannot always reach a "special child". But the children are consistently responding to the Therapeutic Classroom Companions week after week.  Some of the things the animals provide are:Motivation to touch, speak, move and listen. In other Classrooms the expectancy of the next week’s visit is enough of a tool for the teacher to use to help teach students patience, rewards and consequences.

  In regular education classrooms the dogs are used as an instructional tool for safety lessons on dogbite prevention and responsible pet ownership. Older children also have the opportunity to learn about Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs. They are also used in creative writing and problem solving lessons. Even the most reluctant of reader is willing to sit with a dog and read to it. Then there are days where  a nonjudgemental listener is just what a child needs.
 
 
 

   Members of Dreamworkers are truly pleased and excited to come and share their animals on a regular weekly schedule.

Therapy animals at school