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Pets As Therapy - Read2Dogs

Pets As Therapy – Read2Dogs

 

The primary aim of Pets As Therapy is to bring regular animal companionship and comfort to a whole range of establishments by means of visits from volunteers and their registered temperament-tested pets.

 

Launched in 2010, Read2Dogs is a scheme developed to help children gain confidence in reading.  Some school children find reading in front of their classmates and teacher daunting and can become nervous and stressed. With PAT Dogs, however, they often become less stressed and self-conscious, relaxing as the dogs are non-judgemental. PAT Dogs provide comfort, encourage positive social behaviours, enhance self-esteem, motivate speech and inspire young people to have fun.  It has been proven to help children gain confidence and they enjoy and benefit greatly from the reading experience.

 

Bishop Cornish is registered with Pets As Therapy and we are very fortunate to have Mrs Karen Palmer and her dog Akira visiting on a weekly basis, to spend time with children in KS1 and KS2. Now that all of the children are back in school, Mrs Palmer and Akira will restart their visits week commencing 15th March, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Read2Dogs Visits

 

  • The children will be selected by their teachers as those who would benefit most from this intervention; normally young people who lack confidence or have difficulty with reading or attention deficitIf you would prefer that your child didn’t spend time with Akira, please email secretary@bishop-cornish.cornwall.sch.uk
  • Teaching assistants are in charge and in attendance constantly during Pets As Therapy visits.
  • Mrs Palmer and Akira will be in either the KS1 or KS2 library, Mrs Palmer will introduce herself and Akira to the children, saying a little about her breed, age and what she enjoys and a little about her being a special visitor.  The children will also be told how much Akira enjoys hearing stories and spending time with people.
  • Children are allowed to sit close so that they can interact with Akira.