Heckling students, a noisy and agitated class… It’s an ordeal for teachers, but also an obstacle to children’s learning and concentration. To remedy this, some schools have implemented an astonishing initiative, which works every time.
Maintaining a calm and serene climate in class, without yelling or punishing students, is the dream of all teachers in the world. We know that a classroom can quickly descend into chaos, at all levels. In primary school, the little ones have difficulty sitting still; whereas in middle school or high school, adolescents talk, lose interest, and sometimes even appear insolent.
To remedy this problem inherent to the school environment, some schools have found an educational approach like no other. Concentration, responsibility, empathy, management of emotions, reduction of stress, respect for others, self-confidence… This system has proven itself: in Lyon, Brittany, Auvergne, New Aquitaine, or even in Occitanie, more and more establishments – elementary schools, but also middle and high schools – are adopting this unusual solution.
For dissipated or introverted students, but also for those who have learning or concentration problems, or even anxiety related to the school environment, nothing better… than a four-legged companion. Yes, it’s what we call animal mediation: the presence of a dog in class has many benefits for children. He acts like a sponge that absorbs the students’ emotions, like a caring and reassuring company, who will never pass judgment. The dog actually allows “create a climate of trust conducive to interactions, calming and motivation”as the Clermont-Ferrand Academy explains on its site.
For example, an Australian Shepherd joined a CP class in Puy-de-Dôme: “Children report that they feel safe with Titou, that they are less stressed during assessments or reading aloud, and that it is easier to come to school because Titou is waiting for them”. Throughout France, the phenomenon is spreading: from Beagles to Huskies, including Labradors and Eurasiers, dogs are popular on school benches. We find, among others, Joy in Saint-Aubin-le-Cloud, Up in Bréhan, Tala and Ripper in Lyon, School and Nesta in Port-Sainte-Marie, Sun in Sierentz, and even Snow in Narbonne.
Of course, as required by law for mediator dogs present in schools, all have undergone special training (as have the teachers who supervise them) and have been validated by veterinary behaviorists. Although there are obviously risks, these animal mediations are very supervised: an adult must always be present, and students must be informed of the rules of behavior to adopt with a dog. Furthermore, the well-being of the animal is also taken into account. “Visitor” doggies, whose overuse can cause fatigue and stress, are also entitled to breaks! As a result, everyone’s needs are respected, and the school becomes a soft and calming environment… and a little hairier.
