How pet therapy enhances the well-being of our students

Key points:

Recently, there has been tremendous growth in the focus on mental health in K-12 education. Today, children face various stressors at school (academically and socially), as well as challenges from their outside world that seep into their school life both directly and indirectly.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents worldwide experience mental health problems; Depression is the most prevalent among this group. Additionally, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that approximately 80 percent of public schools in the United States experienced an increase in mental health needs following the COVID19 pandemic, but only 56 percent of Schools report that they can provide mental health services effectively. To further highlight the importance of mental health, the first Wednesday in November has been designated International Stress Awareness Day to shed light on the impact of stress and the importance of managing it effectively.

As urban educators, we happily and voluntarily wear many hats. We are not only responsible for the academic growth of our students but also for fostering a safe and emotionally healthy environment that supports their comprehensive development. Addressing mental health needs is a vital indirect part of our role as classroom teachers. School counselors and social workers provide professional support, but teachers can also play an essential role in promoting well-being among our students. By integrating mental health-friendly practices into our classrooms (i.e., mindfulness, emotional check-ins, social-emotional learning, etc.), we can help students develop resilience and better cope with challenges.

One approach we have recently taken is monthly pet therapy sessions, thanks to a grant that has allowed us to partner with a local pet therapy organization. These sessions have already had a tremendous impact on our sixth grade students.

One of the most immediate and notable effects of our first pet therapy session was how it brought our students and us together as a community. The positive energy of the sessions lasted well beyond the time spent participating in pet therapy. From the moment the dog arrived, there was an improvement in everyone's mood. The smiles were contagious and laughter filled the room. There was an invigorating atmosphere of shared joy. A total of 96 smiling faces (92 children + 4 teachers) at once, something we have never experienced before during a school day. Throughout the weekend after our first pet therapy session on Friday, parents expressed how happily their children described the new experience.

It was heartwarming to see our students (who normally don't interact with each other) bond over the shared experience of petting and spending time with the energetic and affectionate pet therapy dog. Even some of our more reserved or anxious students who struggle with peer interactions were smiling, laughing, and engaging with their classmates. Our English Language Learners (ELLs) also participated very actively with their native English speaking peers because everyone was on an equal playing field of love, happiness, and joy. We (teachers) also interacted with our students in atypical ways (sharing stories about pets and animals, sitting crosswise on the floor next to our students, etc.). This sense of unity and camaraderie was the most rewarding aspect of the day.

Also, it was great to see how calm our students were in the presence of the dog. The atmosphere in the room was remarkably peaceful (which is not always the norm for high school students participating in a fun activity). The students (including those we expected to be overly excited or rambunctious) seemed to instinctively understand the need for kind, calm interactions. They patiently waited their turn for the therapy dog ​​to come and pet them, demonstrating impressive self-control. When interacting with him, the students were kind and gentle, something we strive for in our classrooms. Some of our more energetic students, who sometimes find it difficult to sit still, suddenly calmed down and fell silent. It is noteworthy that his kindness was not motivated by our instructions; It came naturally as they interacted with the dog. While many students were eager to interact with the dog, some were apprehensive at first. Those students stood back and watched from a distance. However, the dog's gentle and non-threatening temperament, along with encouragement from their peers, gradually gave them the courage to participate. Watching our students overcome their fear was heartwarming and is what we will remind them of to help them realize that they can overcome any obstacle they face this school year and in the future. The presence of the therapy dog ​​provided a safe, non-judgmental space for our students to step out at their own pace, allowing them to come out of their shell.

Beyond the social and emotional benefits, pet therapy has also become an unintentional incentive for our students. After our first session, many students approached us of their own free will and expressed their desire to participate in next month's session. Several shared how they planned to improve their behavior or responsibility to qualify for future pet therapy sessions. This has opened a new opportunity to motivate students in a positive and constructive way. By linking pet therapy to personal growth and improvement, we not only encourage good behavior, but we also give our students a tangible goal to work toward. The idea of ​​spending time with the therapy dog ​​has become a powerful incentive; We have seen a change in the attitudes of students who previously struggled with motivation. This approach aligns well with the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies we already implement in our respective classrooms and as a hallway with the same students as it encourages self-discipline and self-awareness in a rewarding and non-punitive way. .

The first pet therapy sessions at our school have already made a profound impact. We are eager to see how future sessions continue to benefit our students. From strengthening our sense of community to promoting calm and emotional growth, the power of these sessions goes beyond mere novelty because they offer a tangible boost to our students' mental health and well-being. We hope to continue this journey and explore how pet therapy can continue to be an integral part of supporting the emotional health of everyone involved.