Hey there, fellow dog lovers and education enthusiasts! I’m Lori Johnson, and I’m here to share my incredible journey of bringing dogs into the classroom and turning it into a reality in just five days. Yes, you read that right – five days! So grab your furry friends, get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of “Set Up a Dogs in School Program in 5 Days.”
From Chalkboard Dreams to a Pawsitive Reality
I’ve always been a teacher at heart. Even as a little kid, I had my very first student – my younger sister. I remember setting up a makeshift classroom in our living room, and I’d eagerly scribble lessons on my tiny blackboard. It was just the beginning of my love for teaching, which would later evolve into a passion for education and a fascination with our four-legged friends.
As a child, I yearned for a dog with every Christmas wish. But Santa’s response was always something along the lines of, “It’s too cold in the sleigh,” or “No dogs available this year.” It felt like the universe was conspiring against me. Then, finally, when I was ten years old, it happened – I got my very first dog. That moment was, without a doubt, the happiest day of my life.
The Turning Point: Education Meets Canine Companionship
Fast forward a bit, and I spent 38 years in the field of education. The classroom was my stage, and teaching was my art. But something was missing. I knew I had to merge my two great passions – education and animals – into something extraordinary. That’s when the idea of bringing dogs into the classroom took root, and it completely transformed my career as a teacher.
The Impact of Dogs in School
You might be wondering, why dogs? Well, let me tell you, there’s something magical about the presence of a furry friend in the classroom. Dogs have a unique ability to break down barriers and create a welcoming, stress-free atmosphere for both students and teachers.
1. Stress Reduction: Dogs have this incredible knack for melting away stress. Their mere presence can lower anxiety levels and create a positive learning environment. When my first dog, Charity, joined my class, I noticed a significant reduction in the students’ stress levels, especially during exams.
2. Increased Engagement: Have you ever seen a student light up when they get to read a story to a dog? It’s a heartwarming sight. Dogs can make learning fun and interactive. Their non-judgmental nature encourages even the most introverted students to participate and engage actively in the learning process.
3. Social and Emotional Development: Dogs are excellent at teaching empathy and emotional intelligence. Through interactions with these gentle creatures, students learn to be more compassionate, patient, and understanding of others. These are lifelong skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
4. Improved Attendance: I noticed that students were more excited to come to school when they knew a dog would be there. It created a positive anticipation that motivated them to attend regularly, and I saw a noticeable improvement in attendance rates.
My Mission to Share the Love
Having witnessed the incredible benefits of bringing dogs into the classroom, I couldn’t keep this revelation to myself. I decided to share my experience and knowledge with others who shared my passion for education and animals. That’s how my mission was born – to help others set up their own Dogs in School Program.
The Five-Day Blueprint
In my book, “Set Up a Dogs in School Program in 5 Days,” I’ve outlined a comprehensive five-day plan to help educators and dog lovers alike embark on this transformative journey. Here’s a sneak peek at what each day entails:
Day 1: Getting Started
We kick things off by discussing the essentials – what it takes to bring dogs into the school environment. This day focuses on understanding the benefits, addressing concerns, and outlining the goals you want to achieve.
Day 2: The Dog Selection Process
Not just any dog can become a classroom star. On this day, we dive into the criteria for selecting the right dog for your program. You’ll learn how to assess temperament, trainability, and other crucial factors to ensure a harmonious fit.
Day 3: School Policies and Permissions
Before you can roll out the red carpet for your furry friend, you need to navigate the administrative hurdles. Day 3 covers how to create policies, gain necessary permissions, and establish a framework for your Dogs in School Program.
Day 4: Student and Staff Orientation
To make this program a success, everyone needs to be on the same page. On this day, we discuss how to introduce students and staff to the program, address any fears or concerns, and set expectations for behavior and interaction.
Day 5: Launching the Program
The big day has arrived! You’ll learn how to introduce your dog to the school community, plan activities, and create a safe and welcoming environment for all. This is when the magic truly happens.
Throughout this five-day journey, I provide tips, real-life examples, and practical advice to ensure that your Dogs in School Program is a roaring success. By the end of it, you’ll be well-prepared to create an enriching and pawsitive learning experience for your students.
The Paw-sibilities Are Endless
So, what can you expect from this journey? Well, it’s not just about having dogs in the classroom; it’s about fostering a sense of wonder and excitement for learning. It’s about helping students build strong, positive relationships with animals and with each other. It’s about creating a space where every student feels valued and supported.
The paw-sibilities are endless, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a dog enthusiast looking to make a difference, you can join the growing community of Dogs in School Program advocates.
In Conclusion
My journey from chalkboard dreams to pawsitive learning has been nothing short of amazing. It’s been a labor of love that has touched the lives of countless young people and redefined the way we approach education. I hope my book, “Set Up a Dogs in School Program in 5 Days,” can serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for those who share my passion.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to hear about your own experiences as you bring the joy of dogs into the world of education. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s embark on this adventure together and make our schools a place where learning is pawsitively amazing. Remember, it only takes five days to change the lives of students and dogs alike!
