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6/05/2017

«Pet time Happy time» - 1st Special Education Primay School of Korydallos.

"The 11th official activity of the Erasmus + project «Artemotion Xpress in Europe» is called «Pet time Happy time». It was chosen to take place after the completion of the short term joint staff training and learning event in Ptuj, Slovenia, as we attended an introductory seminar on the use of pets, especially dogs, at school and in the classroom. Our Slovenian partners use trained therapeutic dogs regularly and observe enormous changes in their pupils” behavior, notably in feelings, concentration, sociability.
So we organized a week where each day teachers brought their pets at school. Everyday the students had the opportunity to get in touch with animals like dogs, rabbits, turtles, birds. It is a fact that all pupils were enthusiastic, happy and interactive with the pets. Even the most «severe» children cared for the animals and smiled with the tactile stimulus.
The objectives of our activity:
  • Contact – acquaintance of teachers’ pets with the pupils
  • Monitor the reactions and feelings developed by the contact with the pets
  • Express these feelings through paintings and words
On the following video you can watch the feelings and reactions of our pupils from their contact with the pets.



Research and observation of pets in the classroom prove:
  • Pets aid in improving school attendance – Students become excited about school because they get to see their animal friends.
  • Pets encourage nurturing – Kids soon learn that if they want their classroom pet to be happy and healthy, they’ll need to treat it carefully and kindly.
  • Pets build self esteem – Helping to take care of a pet gives a child a sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • Pets promote empathy – By caring for a pet, children develop an increased awareness of the needs and feelings of others, and see how their actions affect their little friends.
  • Pets teach responsibility – Having to take care of a pet builds a sense of responsibility in children.
  • Pets stimulate learning – When classroom pets are included in the lesson plan, students will approach learning with a new enthusiasm and interest.
  • Pets enrich the classroom experience – Not only do pets bring a new excitement for learning, but they provide a warm and welcoming environment for students.
  • Pets become friends. Pets provide kids with unconditional love and support. They become a confidant and a non-judgmental friend."

2 comments:

Artemotionxpress said...

Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.
It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.
As often as possible try to include pets in the learning process. The mood of students will be better soon.

I can see you spent very hapy time with your pets in the school :-).

Hugs, Tanja from Ptuj

Unknown said...

We had an amazing time Tanja, thank you. Your introductory seminar gave us a boost.. lets see what happens in the future. We hope to have pets in our classrooms in a regular base.