Animals play a great role in many people’s lives. Some dogs can be trained for detecting seizures, but besides that, animals can be used in occupational therapy, speech therapy or even in physical rehabilitation (they help the patients to recover). So basically, we can say that animals have a huge impact on people’s health. Bearing in mind the animal’s role in the health field, animals also can be involved and helpful in an easier learning process. These can be involved in the understanding of math problems, literacy and many other academic activities.
Why should we involve animals in the process of learning?
Teachers have numerous unique ways of helping students to learn, from entertaining activities to different sorts of tests. Interactive learning is always a valuable way for children to learn new concepts. Besides math and science, teachers are working on learning children important abilities and social skills, as well. So, the involvement of an animal might be a great method to improve the process of learning and the interaction between students and teachers. A very first advantage would be the fact that animals could improve the learning environment. An usual math class could turn into a special opportunity of learning when a math problem focuses on the food amount that is eaten by the dog’s class in a day or how much the dog weighs. At the same time, studies show that children raised in a family who owns animals, are much better prepared to fight infections, having a stronger immunity system, than the ones who do not have any animals. These studies were proved in the following way: the records of children presence at school were compared and the scientist found out those children who have company animals attended classes more days/year than the ones who don’t. Also, it is known that animals help at calming down the children with panic attacks and they can be considered their friends, helping them to feel less alone. An animal in a classroom can have exactly the same effect on the students. Students feel comfortable when they can go and see their friendly animal. Also, they can be cheered up and get relaxed when they know that their friend is in the same place as they are.
How can the animals be integrated in the learning process?
As we said lately, the easiest way of involving a animal in the learning process, is to take him in a classroom. According to study made at the American Institute of Health, if an animal is brought in a classroom, it will spread a positive mood and will fight against the negative effects of the stress against the children’s body. Company animals can be brought in Educational environment under many circumstances. The concepts can be taught using the relationship and the interest that children show for the animals. For example, It could be discussed the differences and the similarities between company animals and persons. This discussion can also lead to a discuss about diversity, the needs of different creatures and the acceptance of their nature.
If there is an animal in a house, then this one will be directly involved in the development of children. Animals are companions and awesome playmates, and great teachers as well. Children are aware that a company animal will love them and will accept them unconditionally, what is leading to self-respect. Moreover, researchers suggest that social development, emotional development is improved when a child is taking care of an animal. In the case that none of the cases that were mentioned by far cannot be put into action, animals can improve children’s word in many other ways. As an example, visiting the ZOO. The little ones can see animals in a pretty close environment to their natural environment.
In conclusion, we could say how important it is the importance of an animal in the life of any child. Taking care of a company animal creates respect for life and the awareness of the needs of different creatures, and also taking care of an animal provides to the children, a better understanding how their behaving can have an impact on others. At the same time, rabbits or any other kind of animal in a classroom, boost children spirit, decrease the tension between children and improve the presence at school, because children are excited to interact with animals.