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Introduction
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The benefits of the human-animal bond are well-documented in
medical, psychological and social literature. At all stages throughout our lives
animal companionship can stimulate sensitivity and learning. In adolescents,
involvement in animal-assisted activities (AAA) can add a perspective not
usually available in many non-pet home or classroom situations. Interaction with
companion animals can involve values, morals, modes of behaviour, attitudes and
self-examination as well as skills. While the focus is on the human-animal
relationship, other aspects including environmental issues, personal health and
safety and cooperative learning may also be associated.
A Look at the Background Research
In a landmark book published in 1984, a biologist named E.O.
Wilson wrote about biophilia - simply defined as "the innate tendency to focus
on life." In his book, Wilson suggests that the evolutionary history of human
thought, language and socialization has been profoundly influenced by our
species’ relationships with other animals. The next step in this progression is
the question "Can this influence have implications for learning?"
Even more recently, author/researchers Katcher and Wilkins
concluded several studies involving children and animals in the Biophilia
Hypothesis (Keller, Wilson, eds; Washington, D.C. Island Press, 1993) with these
three conclusions:
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Animals brought into a human context are powerful reinforcers
of human attention and behaviour.
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When the child is given the opportunity to interact with the
animal as well as watch it, there are more positive changes in behaviour and
they are more persistent.
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Human speech and the nonverbal expression of emotion are
facilitated by the presence of animals.
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Another documented study conducted at Cajon Park School in
Sanee, California concluded that animal affection resulted in a change of pupil
behaviour in the classroom and there was an improvement in attitude and
behaviour toward teacher and peers. This was reported in Animal Affection and
Student Behaviour by D.M. Kaye.
Interest and support for animal-assisted learning has moved
from researchers to educators themselves. In a statement issued by the National
P.T.A. Congress in 1993, the long-term societal benefit of positive human-animal
interaction was noted: "Children trained to extend justice, kindness and
mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relation with
each other. Character training along these lines in youth will result in men and
women of broader sympathies, more humane, more law-abiding - in every respect
more valuable citizens."
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PAWS For
A Story
| Literacy
is defined as "The ability to understand and use printed information in daily
activities, at home, at work, and in the community - to achieve one's goals, and
to develop one's knowledge and potential."
Literacy is vital to a successful education, career, and quality of life in
today’s world. Whether in the form of curling up with a good book, jotting down
a phone number, making a shopping list, or writing a report, being literate
means participating effectively at home and in society.
Facts:
- 16% of adult Canadians have reading and writing skills too limited to allow
them to deal with reading material encountered in everyday life.
- 22% of adult Canadians can use reading and writing materials in a variety of
situations, provided the material is simple.
- 62% of adult Canadians have reading and writing abilities sufficient to deal
with everyday reading and writing requirements.
- Canadians use their literacy skills more in the workplace than at home.
- The higher an individual's literacy level, the more likely he/she will be
employed and have a higher income.
- For every dollar spent on early prevention for a child, a savings of $5 to
$7 occurs in later health, social service, education and justice system
expenses.
- Literacy skills are like muscles - they are maintained and strengthened
through regular use.
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Long term Effects:
- Many parents cannot read their children a story or help them with their
homework.
- Others are unable to read and understand dosage on a medicine bottle.
- Many voters are unable to participate in elections.
- Workers may not be able to read safety and upgrading manuals; limited
literacy skills often affect productivity in Canadian businesses.
- Minimal literacy skills may be just one factor of many, such as
unemployment, discrimination, and dependence on social assistance, that
contribute to poverty and lack of opportunity for substantial numbers of
Canadians.
Literacy weaves through all aspects of family and community life - through
health, employment, education, social welfare, and justice. It is the foundation
for all other learning.
PAWS for a Story is an animal assisted reading
mentor program to enhance literacy skills and to encourage the joys of reading through the assistance of handler and companion animal therapy teams as
reading mentors. This program is intended to enrich the literacy skills of
children in an effective and comfortable manner. Literacy specialists
acknowledge that children who are below their peers in reading skills are often
intimidated by reading aloud in a group, often have lower self-esteem, and view
reading as a chore.
Children with learning disabilities may have average or higher intelligence
levels. These children are especially in need of support because of the current
emphasis on encouraging people with disabilities to live as independently as
possible. Literacy can make a dramatic difference towards an independent
lifestyle. In the long term, renewed emphasis on family, pre-school, and early
school literacy seems to offer the best chance of reducing low literacy in
Canada, and of increasing the life chances of so many young Canadians.
The intention of PAWS for a Story is to have children read to the therapy
animals. Research with therapy animals indicates that children with low
self-esteem are often more willing to interact with an animal than with another
person. During such communications they are inclined to forget about their
limitations. The basis of the program is that children will find reading to an
animal less intimidating, a special time for them that will become a positive
environment in which learning is facilitated.
The PAWS for a Story program is aimed at young children who are experiencing
difficulty in reading. This program may be implemented in preschools, elementary
schools, healthcare facilities and local libraries.
PAWS for a Story objectives include:
- To Increase reading levels
- To encourage children to set and achieve goals
- To reduce stress and anxiety
- To improve confidence and self esteem
- To create a favorable learning experience
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References:
Centre for Family Literacy, Edmonton Alberta
Success by 6, Edmonton, Alberta
Raise a Reader, Edmonton Journal
Literacy Co-ordinators of Alberta
R.E.A.D. PROGRAM, Intermountain Therapy Animal |
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Suggested
Resources
Pets & Me - A thematic learning experience built on the relationship
between people and animals. Developed by the Center for School Study Councils,
The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. ©1991
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