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Unleashing Peace with Paws

Mindful Mondays: Paws for Peace and Emotional Release.

Welcome to our non-judgemental, non-verbal acceptance therapy with two lovable dogs. Students find emotional support and well-being through interacting with Sheba and Luna, who support emotional vulnerability. As students support the dogs, they gain confidence and responsibility, experiencing a mental reset and deep attachment. Open to all, with select sessions tailored for specific needs.

Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

2022

Established

200

Children

1

Countries
Target group
Students upper
Updated
April 2024
The change we hope to see: - increase in empathy - reduction in bullying - increase motivation to come to school on Mondays - emotional regulation strategy - promoting confidence and leadership - ability to share emotions - increase of vulnerability - respecting body boundaries and consent - reduce in body shaming

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Inspired by the desire to improve well-being a student group crafted an innovative solution for their PYP exhibition: therapy dogs. Recognizing peers' well-being needs, they collaborated with counselors and leadership, gaining approval. Their vision? To nurture emotional support through companionship, fostering a resilient community.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Through our innovative therapy dog program, we're actively fostering well-being in our school community. Various grades participate in scheduled therapy dog lunches, offering a structured environment for emotional support. At break times, students seeking companionship are welcomed to interact with our furry friends. During sessions, students engage in activities like reading to the dogs, sharing hugs, and teaching tricks, promoting emotional connection and confidence-building. The presence of our counselor ensures a supportive atmosphere, guiding with gentle redirection and encouraging awareness of others' needs. Together, we're creating a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported.

How has it been spreading?

- word of mouth (via students)
- teacher invitation and reminders
- posters around the school

If I want to try it, what should I do?

- Identify the need amongst students in regards to well-being
- Gain approval from leadership
- Use student voice to support the activities that would be useful
- Trial it for a month
- Note observations throughout this month and look at he impact it has made before the sessions started and after the sessions
- Involve the whole school community

Implementation steps

Step by Step guide: Mindful Mondays: Paws for Peace and Emotional Release.
1. Seek Approval from Leadership and provide risk assessment
2. Inform school community
3. Offer opportunities to opt out
4. Educate students and teachers on benefits
5. Student voice and agency
6. Measure impact through data analysis
7. Inform school community on benefits
8. Adapt sessions to the needs of the students

Spread of the innovation

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